Orvieto‘s Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is divided over two palaces in the Piazza del Duomo. The first one is the Palazzo dell’Opera del Duomo, which houses drawings, projects and other documents highlighting the construction of the cathedral. The collection also includes 13th and 14th century paintings. The second section, in the Palazzo Soliano, mainly displays painting from the Renaissance to the 19th century.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo Orvieto
Address, opening times and admission
Address: Palazzo dell’Opera del Duomo and Palazzo Soliano – Piazza del Duomo – Orvieto. Telephone: +39 0763 343592. Opening hours: From November to February from 09.30 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00. Admission: 5 Euro.
History and Description
The Palazzo dell’Opera del Duomo houses documents and drawings that illuminate the history of the cathedral’s construction.
Also on display are paintings by 13th and 14th century masterscenturies. A highlight is the “Madonna and Child” by Coppo di Marcovaldo. Other artists represented include Spinello Aretino, Andrea Pisano and Simone Martini. Two polyptychs by the latter are on display in this part of the museum.
The second part of the museum, located in the Palazzo Soliano, was opened only recently. This section is mainly dedicated to Renaissance and Mannerist paintings, as well as works of art from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Highlights include paintings by Pomarancio, Giovanni Lanfranco and Federico Zuccari, as well as drawings by Cesare Nebbia.
Also on display is a collection of drawings by the architect Ippolito Scalza.
Several Mannerist statues originally gracing the cathedral are also on display in the museum. The biggest attraction among these statues is the “Annunciazione” by Francesco Mochi.