A flexible plan of libraries, history, museums and art. Pick two or three nearby stops and check access before setting out.
Four central stops
1. Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theatre. A place tied to the University of Bologna. Visiting the Anatomical Theatre requires booking: check conditions on the official page.
2. Salaborsa. Beside Piazza Maggiore, this public library has a large covered space for a quiet break. Respect its reading areas.
3. Civic Archaeological Museum. A short walk from Piazza Maggiore, its collections suit a longer visit.
4. Palazzo Pepoli, Museum of the History of Bologna. A stop to learn about the city. Check the accessible route and availability before visiting.
History, music and modern art
5. Civic Medieval Museum. In the historic centre, its collections tell part of Bologna’s story.
6. International Music Museum and Library. Follow Bologna’s musical history here; check access and activities for your date.
7. MAMbo. The modern art museum suits a longer visit. It sits away from the Piazza Maggiore cluster, so allow time for the journey.
Build your day
Short on time? Pair Salaborsa with a central museum. With half a day, try the Archiginnasio and Archaeological Museum, or Palazzo Pepoli and the Medieval Museum. Make MAMbo your main stop if you want more time there.
These are editorial suggestions, not a route with guaranteed timings. Hours, booking, exhibitions, prices and accessibility vary: recheck official pages on the day.
Before you go
Opening times, access, tickets, family rules, transport and events can change. Recheck official pages 24–48 hours before your visit and again on the day.
Events calendar: Bologna Welcome ↗OFFICIAL SOURCES
Sources and checks
Sources checked on 15 October 2026. Official websites remain the reference for details that change over time.
