Turin: Italy’s First Capital

Turin boasts the highest concentration of art, history, and science museums in Italy. It is home to four national museums (the Cinema Museum, Automobile Museum, Mountain Museum, and Risorgimento Museum), as well as internationally renowned institutions like the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Oriental Art, the Royal Armoury, and the Planetarium.

The art collections include masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Antonello da Messina, Fra Angelico, Andrea Mantegna, Jan van Eyck, Rembrandt, and Anthony van Dyck. Notably, the Sabauda Gallery exhibits works from the 12th to the 18th century.

For modern and contemporary art, highlights include:

GAM – Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Civic Museum of Ancient Art at Palazzo Madama

Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation

Giovanni and Marella Agnelli Foundation

Merz Foundation

Just outside the city, the Rivoli Castle houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, making Turin a unique hub for modern art.

Turin was also Italy’s first film production center: the Lumière brothers screened their first film here in March 1896, and the city’s first studios opened in 1907.

The city hosts one of RAI’s main broadcasting centers and boasts a vibrant music scene: historic theaters and modern venues like PalaRuffini, Pala Alpitour, and Juventus Stadium host concerts of all genres.

Key Landmarks

Mole Antonelliana

Porta Palatina

Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama

Valentino Castle

Reggia di Venaria

Stupinigi Hunting Lodge

Annual Events

Luci d'Artista – Christmas light installations

Artissima – Contemporary Art Fair

Turin Book Fair – Each May at Lingotto exhibition centre

Torino Film Festival – Autumn at Cinema Massimo

Biennale Democrazia – held every April

The Savoy Residences of Turin and Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a journey through wonderful gardens and royal estates.