Frequently asked questions about your insider guide to the best turin museums in 2026!
1. What is the best way to get between museums?
Turin’s city center is very walkable, with most major museums within 15-20 minutes of each other. For longer distances, the efficient public transport system (buses and trams) is included with the Torino+Piemonte Card.
2. Are the museums accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Most major museums like Museo Egizio and Musei Reali offer elevators, ramps, and accessible routes. However, some historic buildings like Palazzo Madama may have limited accessibility in certain areas – it’s best to check specific museum websites in advance.
3. Can I take photos inside the museums?
Generally yes for personal use, but flash photography is typically prohibited. Some special exhibitions or delicate artifacts (like the Royal Library’s Leonardo drawing) may have complete photography restrictions – look for signage or ask staff.
CuddlyNest Team
CuddlyNest Team is a passionate travel writer who specializes in creating comprehensive guides that help travelers discover authentic experiences around the world. With years of expertise in travel journalism, they provide insider tips and practical advice for memorable journeys.
Forget guidebooks that put you to sleep. The Turin Museums are your ticket to a breathtaking journey through history, art, and pure royal awesome-ness, and we’ve nailed down the top 10 you simply cannot miss. This is the only guide you’ll need to discover why Turin is Italy’s best-kept secret (until now!).
Turin Museums at a Glance
Your quick guide to the must-see museums in Italy’s cultural capital
Museum
Must-See Highlight
Don’t Miss Tip
Museo Egizio
World’s 2nd largest Egyptian collection
Book online to skip queues
Musei Reali
5 palaces, 1 ticket (UNESCO)
Allow 3+ hours
Cinema Museum
Mole tower & panoramic elevator
Get combo ticket for views
GAM
Italy’s 1st modern art collection
Use multi-museum pass
Palazzo Madama
2,000 years in one building
Climb tower for city views
Auto Museum
200+ car history
Take bus from center
Royal Library
Leonardo’s self-portrait
Included with Musei Reali
Museum of Antiquities
Roman theater ruins
Combine with Musei Reali
MAO
Asian art collection
Walk from Piazza Castello
Gallerie d’Italia
Art in historic bank
Less crowded, great cafe
Pro tip: Save 15% on your Turin stay with code DISCCN15 on CuddlyNest
The 10 Must-See Museums in Turin
1. Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) – Time Travel to Ancient Egypt!
Tickets: Approximately 15 Euros. Book ticket online at museitorino.it to skip the lines.
Why It’s Unmissable:
Home to the world’s second-largest Egyptian collection after Cairo.
Explore four floors of authentic mummies, sarcophagi, and a real sphinx.
Features the famous Kha and Merit tomb (partially visible during rearrangement until Dec 4, 2025).
Interactive displays and papyrus collections that make history tangible.
Good to Know: It’s an easy 15-minute (800m) walk from Porta Nuova Station. For a great meal nearby, try Ristorante Fiorfood for high-quality food at reasonable prices.
Ready to explore? Book your Turin stay on CuddlyNest and save 15% with code DISCCN15 to be within walking distance of the action.
2. Royal Museums Complex (Musei Reali) – Where Kings Lived Large!
Tickets: National Museum only €12; Combined museum + panoramic elevator €18. Book online to guarantee elevator access.
Why It’s Unmissable:
Housed in Turin’s iconic architectural landmark, the Mole Antonelliana.
Features five spectacular floors tracing cinema history from magic lanterns to modern blockbusters.
Ride the stunning glass elevator 85 meters to the panoramic terrace for 360° views of Turin and the Alps.
Includes original costumes, props, and the famous hall with ceiling projections.
Good to Know: It’s just a 10-minute walk from Via Po. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds for the best panoramic elevator experience. The combined museum + elevator ticket is well worth the extra cost.
4. GAM – Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Modern & Contemporary Art)
Hours: Check website for current hours; generally closed Mondays
Tickets: Approximately €10 full price; Free for under 18
Why It’s Unmissable:
Established in 1863 as Italy’s first public modern art collection.
Houses over 45,000 works including pieces by Pellizza da Volpedo, Medardo Rosso, Marc Chagall and Andy Warhol.
Features two floors of permanent collections plus rotating temporary exhibitions.
Part of a multi-museum pass that includes MAO and Palazzo Madama.
Good to Know: Located about a 20-minute walk from the city center with excellent public transport connections. Perfect for combining with visits to other major museums using the multi-museum pass.
5. Palazzo Madama – Medieval Meets Baroque in Style!
Tickets: Approximately €10; Free admission for under 18, reduced for ages 18-25 and 65+
Why It’s Unmissable:
Explore 2,000 years of history in one building, from Roman foundations to Baroque palace.
Discover over 70,000 artworks spanning medieval to Baroque periods.
Admire the stunning Juvarra staircase and climb the tower for 360° panoramic views.
Relax in the unique Medieval Garden hidden within the ancient courtyard walls.
Good to Know: Located right in the heart of Piazza Castello, it’s impossible to miss. Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collections across its five historic levels.
6. National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile) – Car Lovers Paradise!
Hours: Check official website for current schedule
Tickets: Approximately €12-15
Why It’s Unmissable:
Features over 200 original vehicles from more than 80 brands, celebrating both Italian and global automotive history.
Explores how automobiles evolved from mere transport to cultural icons that changed society.
Modern, innovative displays and exhibitions that bring the history of the automobile to life.
A fantastic experience for all ages, including families with children.
Good to Know: Located about 2km from the city center; easily reached by bus 35 or 18. As the historic home of FIAT, Turin is the perfect city to explore Italian automotive culture. Plan for 2-3 hours to enjoy the full collection.
7. Royal Library (Biblioteca Reale) – A Treasure Trove of Manuscripts
Hours: Same as Royal Museums (Tuesday-Sunday 9am-7pm)
Tickets: Included with Royal Museums ticket (€15)
Why It’s Unmissable:
Houses Leonardo da Vinci’s famous self-portrait – the original you’ve seen in art history books.
Features an extraordinary collection of illuminated manuscripts and rare books spanning centuries.
Contains beautiful vaulted exhibition halls that are works of art themselves.
Part of the Royal Museums complex, making it incredible value for one ticket price.
Good to Know: The library is accessible via platforms and elevators (80cm door width). While included with your Royal Museums ticket, some special temporary exhibitions may require separate booking. Perfect for art and history lovers looking to see one of Turin’s most precious cultural treasures.
8. Museum of Antiquities (Museo di Antichità) – Rome Comes to Turin!
Explore the actual remains of a Roman theater, built directly into the museum’s structure.
Discover an extensive collection of ancient sculptures, statues, and intricate mosaics.
View everyday objects that offer a fascinating glimpse into life in Roman Turin.
Perfectly complements the grand Renaissance and Baroque collections elsewhere in the complex.
Good to Know: Located on the ground floor of the Royal Museums with barrier-free access from the Royal Gardens. Use the elevator connection to easily visit the Sabauda Gallery as part of the same comprehensive ticket.
9. MAO (Museum of Oriental Art) – East Meets West!
Hours: Check website for current hours; generally closed Mondays
Tickets: Approximately €10; Included in multi-museum pass with GAM and Palazzo Madama
Why It’s Unmissable:
Houses an extensive collection of Asian art spanning China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world.
Features remarkable Buddhist sculptures, samurai armor, and contemporary Asian art exhibitions.
Offers a journey through diverse Eastern cultures and artistic traditions all under one roof.
Housed in the beautifully restored 18th-century Palazzo Mazzonis.
Good to Know: Located just a short walk from Piazza Castello, it’s perfect for combining with other major museums using the multi-museum pass. An essential stop for culture enthusiasts looking to explore beyond Western art traditions.
Tickets: Check website for current pricing and exhibitions
Why It’s Unmissable:
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century bank building that’s a work of art itself
Features impressive collections of Italian art and photography in a luxurious setting
Includes the elegant Caffè San Carlo, perfect for a cultural break in style
Offers free Wi-Fi throughout the museum
Good to Know: Located in the prime Piazza San Carlo area near Via Santa Teresa. Typically less crowded than other major museums, making it perfect for a more relaxed cultural experience. Combine your visit with exploring Turin’s most elegant shopping streets and historic cafés.
Pro Tips for Your Turin Museum Visit
Here’s how to make the most of your cultural adventure in Turin while saving time and money:
Get a Torino+Piemonte Card: Your all-in-one pass for 180+ museums, castles, and royal residences. Choose from 2, 3, or 5-day options for unlimited access.
Book Tickets Online: Skip the ticket office lines and often save money with online-only prices for major museums like Museo Egizio and Musei Reali.
Free First Sundays: Plan around the first Sunday of the month when many state museums offer free admission to all visitors.
Age-Based Free Access: Most museums offer free tickets for visitors under 18. Students and seniors often enjoy discounted rates—always bring ID.
Group Visits Save More: School groups and groups of 10+ can secure special rates and private tours by booking directly with museums in advance.
Go Beyond Museums: Don’t miss unique experiences like touring the historic Fiat factory at Lingotto for a true taste of Turin’s industrial heritage.
Plan by Neighbourhood: Group museum visits by location (e.g., Piazza Castello for Royal Museums & Palazzo Madama) to minimize travel time.
Where to Stay in Turin: From Luxury to Affordable
To make the most of your museum marathon, staying centrally is key. Here are top-rated options in both luxury and affordable categories, all within easy walking distance of Turin’s cultural heart.
Luxury & Historic Splendor
Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze: A legendary 5-star hotel on Via Roma, offering pure elegance steps from Piazza Castello.
NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina: Situated in a serene square, this hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury near the Quadrilatero Romano.
Turin Palace Hotel: A classic grand hotel with stunning city views, located just a short walk from Porta Nuova Station.
Pay with digital currencies on CuddlyNest (USDT, USDC, DAI, BUSD) and snag an exclusive 15% discount using code DISCCN15.
Hotel Turin Palace
Affordable & Charming
AC Hotel Torino by Marriott: A reliable and modern option with great value, perfectly situated for exploring.
Hotel Victoria: A comfortable and well-reviewed hotel in a quieter area, still close to the city center and the River Po.
Hotel Roma e Rocca Cavour: A classic, budget-friendly choice right near Porta Nuova Station, offering old-world charm.
Complete Your Turin Adventure
As you plan your journey through Turin’s unparalleled museums, securing the right place to stay is the final piece of the puzzle. For a seamless booking experience that accommodates every traveler, consider CuddlyNest.
Beyond traditional payment methods, CuddlyNest conveniently accepts a range of digital currencies, including USDT (Tether), USDC (USD Coin), DAI, and BUSD (Binance USD). To make your trip planning even smoother, you can use the code DISCCN15 to save 15% on your stay.
Now, with your itinerary set and your accommodation booked, you’re ready to discover why Turin is Italy’s most captivating cultural destination.
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