Turin is Home to the Second-largest Egyptian Museum in the World
Since Turin is Italy’s most regal city, you’ll find there are plenty of enchanting, well-preserved museums scattered around town. Not only will you find museums featuring historic cultural gems, you’ll also find modern gyms dedicated to art, sports (especially soccer — if you’re a Juventus fan, you’ve got to visit Turin!) and cinema.
During my years studying in Turin, I even stumbled upon an exhibition that featured real Egyptian artifacts — for free! This was in Officini Grandi Riparazioni (OGR, which I pronounce like the English word “Ogre”) where I would often grab a coffee or slice of pizza for lunch and study with friends.
Luckily, we went on a Sunday (the third Sunday of the month is when all museums are free), so we lucked out and got to explore plenty of Egyptian artifacts and statues for $0.
Be sure to visit at least one museum while in Turin — it’ll make the trip worth it! Turin has always been part of the beating heart of thriving kingdoms and civilizations throughout history; naturally, there’s plenty to see and many types of museums to choose from.
1. Egyptian Museum
Starting off the list is one of Turin’s biggest tourist attractions: The Egyptian Museum. Turin is practically synonymous with the Egyptian Museum, attracting more than 850,000 visitors annually. Unfortunately, I still haven’t ever been, but as I mentioned, I have seen part of the collection at the OGR.
Be prepared to be inundated with everything Egyptology! We’ve all learned about the Egyptians and some of their seemingly strange practices like mummification.
But, it’ll feel like you’ve crossed into a different world and time when surrounded by the more than 30,000 artifacts found in this not-to-be-missed museum.
You’d think a collection this massive would have taken thousands of years to build, but in fact, its genesis was only in 1753 when King Charles Emmanuelle III’s interest was piqued after seeing the Mensa Isiaca. Interestingly, this altar, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Isis, was created by Romans and not Egyptians since adherence to the ancient Egyptian religion was popularized throughout the ancient Greco-Romano era as well.
Following this, King Charles Emmanuelle III enlisted the help of a botanist who collected 50 pieces from the Luxor era to be added. And, it’s grown ever since!
You’ll be impressed by the massive size of some of the exotic statues — most notably the Sarcophagus of Ibi, the Statue of Seti II, and also the Statue of Ptah (you’ll recognize him by his massive body and tiny head).
But not everything that’s big will grab your attention; there are plenty of splendors wrapped in smaller packages, too. You’ll see display cases filled with preserved papyruses that will leave you pondering over ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Not only that, you’ll get a peek into ancient Egyptian life: you’ll see which treasured items were included in tombs, and even the vases and cases that Egyptians once used to pamper and groom themselves.
Who knew you could walk through Egyptian lands while being at the foothills of the Alps?
Best Time to Go
Year-round. You should visit this world-renowned museum whenever you’re in Turin. Summer is perhaps less busy since many Torinesi head to the Alps or sea for vacation.
Things to Note
There are sometimes discounts for the Egyptian Museum on Groupon.it. You will need to use a translator since it’s only available in Italian, or find a local to help you out!
Hours
Monday 9AM–2PM, Tuesday-Sunday 9AM–6:30PM
Address
Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, 10123 Torino TO, Italy
Website
2. Officini Grandi Riparazioni (OGR)
The OGR is not only a great place to study and meet with friends for lunch; it’s also a destination to explore cool modern art and museum exhibitions.
But, this trendy designer-warehouse-styled building wasn’t always used as a hip place to meet up and view art. In fact, it was once a center for locomotive, automobile, and train cart repairs.
This is a common theme you’ll find throughout Turin: many of its large buildings dedicated to industry (the production of automobiles, in particular) have been remodeled and repurposed.
The OGR is one of these remodeled types of places, as is the Lingotto Mall (Fiat’s former factory).
On top of being a place for art, you may also be lucky enough to attend one of the spectacles held at OGR — from concerts to dances to seminars and more.
The revitalized industrial style of this building is reason enough to visit the OGR, but you’ll want to stay for the delicious coffee they serve as well as their delicious lunches and dinners. To find the OGR, simply take la metro to Vinzaglio, where you’ll head west on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, then south on Corso Castelfidardo.
You’ll notice the buzzing university atmosphere here — it’s in the heart of Turin’s prestigious Politecnico.
Best Time to Go
Anytime. Visit www.ogrtorino.it to see what exhibitions and events are happening during your visit.
Things to Note
Finding OGR can be a bit tricky at first. When you see a gate containing a seafoam green building inside and curved seafoam green benches, you’ll know you’re at the right spot.
Address
Corso Castelfidardo, 22, 10138 Torino TO, Italy
3. Museo dell’Automobile
Since Turin is the City of the Automobile, it only makes sense to park it for a couple hours at this popular museum! Yet another museum I haven’t visited yet, despite living in Turin for over two years. The worst part is, I only lived one block away!
In any case, I’ve heard great things about the museum — from locals and tourists alike.
If you’re a car-guy/gal, you’ll want to make your way over there
From what I’ve heard, the best thing about this museum is its ability to transport you throughout the evolution of the automobile. You’ll see classic automobiles in their infancy, all the way up to cars from now that are preserved in absolute mint condition.
Additionally, you’ll learn about Turin’s role in creating a booming automobile manufacturing industry and how it’s progressed over the years.
Pro Tip: if you take a tourist bus tour, there’s a stop in front of this museum — get off there. Since the nearest metro is about a 15 minute walk away, it’s best to come here with the tourist bus directly. You’ll want to save your legs for all the rest of the amazing places you’ll see in Turin!
Best Time to Go
Anytime.
Things to Note
There are nearly 200 cars of all types packed in this museum from Italy, the USA, France, Germany, and other European countries. Gear up for an interesting museum visit!
Hours
Monday10:00AM — 2:00PM, Tuesday-Sunday10AM — 7:00PM
Location
Corso Unità d’Italia, 40, 10126 Torino TO, Italy
4. Museo Nazionale del Cinema
The Museo Nazionale del Cinema, or Mole (pronounced mo-leh. From Mole Antonelliana, named after architect Alessandro Antonelli) was conceived to be a synagogue in 1863, but several decades later after its completion in 1889, it now hosts Italy’s National Museum of Cinema.
If and when you visit the splendor of this museum, chances are you won’t be alone — approximately half a million people visit the museum each year, making it one of the most visited museums in Italy and the world.
This museum is a “double-whammy” of sorts — not only will you have the chance to explore the multiple rooms or “chapels” dedicated to each of the genres of film, you’ll also be able to take in breathtaking, panoramic views from the top of the “small temple”.
If you’re looking for the most amazing 360-degree viewpoint of Turin plus a stunning look into the evolution of cinema, this is it! Step inside Turin’s most famous landmark that dominates its cityscape.
Best Time to Go
Year-round, however, some times are busier and more action-packed than others. One of the best months to go is in November when the Torino Film Festival occurs.
Things to Note
On top of the various exhibitions dedicated to the genres of cinema, you’ll also notice two other important areas: one focuses on Italy’s most important silent film: “Cabiria”, and the other on Turin, the Città del Cinema.
Hours
Monday 10AM–7PM, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday-Sunday 10AM–7PM
Location
Via Montebello, 20, 10124 Torino TO, Italy
5. Musei Reali (Royal Palace of Turin)
Turin is often dubbed the “Paris of Italy” due to its regal architecture — the Royal Palace of Turin and its museums, Musei Reali, perhaps best capture this Parisian essence. The palace dates back to the 16th century, ordered to be constructed by Regent Christina Maria.
The Royal Palace of Turin hosts many different museums, including:
- The Royal Gardens
- The Royal Library and Armory
- The Sabauda Gallery
- The Museum of Archeology
- And the Chiablese Palace.
The Royal Palace is in the heart of the center of Turin and is a can’t-miss site.
You’ll also see it’s connected to the Cathedral of Turin and may notice a steeple off to the left side of the Royal Palace. That’s the Chapel of the Holy Shroud (in Italian: la Cappella della Sacra Sindone) where many believe the official burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth is housed.
Things to Note
Since this Turin museums list is a collection of public museums, it can be extremely crowded on the first Sunday every month — that’s when museums are free. If you happen to be in Turin during this time, lucky you!
Hours
Monday Closed, Tuesday — Sunday 9:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Location
Piazzetta Reale, 1, Turin, Piemonte 10122
Recap
No trip to Turin would be fully complete without visiting these five museums. The five mentioned Turin museums are: 1. Egyptian Museum, 2. Officini Grandi Riparazioni (OGR), 3. Museo dell’Automobile, 4. Museo Nazionale del Cinema, 5. Musei Reali (Royal Palace of Turin)
- 7 Charming Northern Italian Towns Worth Visiting
- The Mountainside City in Italy Famous for High Quality of Life
- Sant’Ambrogio di Torino: Home to Piedmont’s Most Iconic Church
- Easily Reach Bardonecchia by Train for Snow-filled Heaven
Pingback: Underrated Italian Museums to Visit in Turin
Pingback: Secret, Off the Radar Spots in Turin, Italy