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Museums of Siena: the accessible medieval town

A guide to discover the museums without barriers

Siena is a town open to everyone which offers paths between art and nature suitable for every need. In this article, we offer a guide to the places where you can admire the beauty of the history and culture of this city: here is a list of museums and places of worship equipped with facilitated routes.


Contents
  • 1.
    Academy of Physiocritics Museum of Natural History
  • 2.
    Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library
  • 3.
    Civic Museum 
  • 4.
    Pinacoteca Nazionale
  • 5.
    Museum Complex Santa Maria della Scala
  • 6.
    Church of St. Augustine
  • 7.
    Palazzo delle Papesse Center for Contemporary Art
  • 8.
    Art museum for kids

Academy of Physiocritics Museum of Natural History

Academy of Physiocritics Museum of Natural History
Academy of Physiocritics Museum of Natural History - Credit: Accademia dei Fisiocritici

The Academy of the "Physiocritics" houses a natural collection dating back to the middle of the 18th century. Anatomical preparations made by the technique of injecting metallic mercury into lymphatic vessels are rather interesting, the terracotta models of mushrooms and manuscripts related to the life and history of the Academy and of the Siena science. The museum and baths are fully accessible except for the hypogeum, an archaeological section that includes some Etruscan cinerary urns.

Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library

Cattedrale di Siena
Cattedrale di Siena - Credit: Alessandro Farese

The Cathedral of Siena is one of the best known examples of an Italian Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. The majestically beautiful building is accessible through a special entrance located to the left-hand side of the main staircase. 
The Piccolomini Library is located inside the Cathedral and is accessible thanks to a platform located on the left-hand side of the main entrance.

Civic Museum 

Palazzo Pubblico Siena
Palazzo Pubblico Siena - Credit: Giuseppe Milo

The Civic Museum of Siena, housed inside the Palazzo Pubblico, preserves precious frescos, among which La Maestà, the Guidoriccio da Fogliano by Simone Martini and the cycle of the Buon Governo by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The museum is fully accessible by elevator.

Pinacoteca Nazionale

Santa Maria della Scala
Santa Maria della Scala - Credit: Visit Tuscany (Sunset)

The Pinacoteca Nazionale of Siena boasts a collection that is unique in the world, especially for the masterpieces of painting from the Siena school. The exhibition houses works by Duccio di Boninsegna, Simone Martini, and Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The structure is fully accessible thanks to an elevator leading to the floors, which are accessible through stairlifts.

 

Museum Complex Santa Maria della Scala

La Sala del Pellegrinaio, Santa Maria della Scala
La Sala del Pellegrinaio, Santa Maria della Scala - Credit: Jim Forest

Santa Maria della Scala, located in Piazza del Duomo, is one of Siena's most important museums and cultural centers. In the complex all rooms are accessible. The lower floors can be accessed accompanied by museum custodians through external corridors. There is also the possibility of educational services with reservations for groups intended for the visually impaired.

Church of St. Augustine

Crocifissione di Pietro Perugino
Crocifissione di Pietro Perugino - Credit: Wikipedia

Dating back to the thirteenth century, the church of St. Augustine was built based on a design by Luigi Vanvitelli. Among the many masterpieces still preserved here, Pietro Perugino's Crucifixion and the canvases depicting the Baptism of Constantine are noteworthy, the Tempted St. Anthony and the Adoration of the Magi, respectively attributable to Francesco Vanni, Rutilio Manetti and Sodoma. The church is accessible through a side entrance. The bathroom, on the other hand, is not accessible.

Palazzo delle Papesse Center for Contemporary Art

Palazzo delle Papesse
Palazzo delle Papesse - Credit: daliasiena.it

Inside the Palazzo delle Papesse is located the Contemporary Art Center, which organizes group and solo exhibitions. The building is accessible by an elevator. There are only 4 steps at the entrance with a side entrance for the disabled; the bathroom is located in the courtyard accessed by a ramp.

Art museum for kids

Museo d'arte per bambini
Museo d'arte per bambini

The Art museum for kids of Siena is a place where young children can learn about art technics, learn about materials, and meet famous artists up close. The museum is on the 3rd floor, accessible by elevator. Tactile materials for the blind are available.

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