A Journey through 150 years of Viareggio Carnival’s history. Explore a timeline of the years 1873 to 2001, the year of the inauguration of the Carnival Citadel, now a symbol of creativity, culture, and history. Images on display document the artistic evolution of the event, while models tell the story of the places in the city where Carnival was born and developed, thanks to the artists’ dedication and passion.
The Carnival Museum’s first floor is a journey through time, featuring documentary evidence and accurate three-dimensional reconstructions. But it is also the story of contemporary Carnival, with its year-round productivity: from the organization of Parades to the preparation of sketches to the demolition of buildings to make way for the new inventions of the masters builders.
In addition to the timeline, visitors can discover the art of paper casts, the secrets of movement, a selection of model floats from the past, and elements from allegorical constructions.
At the heart of the permanent exhibition is the section dedicated to Burlamacco and Ondina, which also features original pieces showcasing the creative work of Uberto Bonetti. Some costumes in the collection from Anna and Giorgio White’s Atelier evoke the costumes of the Commedia Dell’Arte, which served as a source of inspiration for Bonetti.
The projection space offers an immersive experience into the atmosphere of the Carnival of Viareggio. Oblò is the exhibition room dedicated to contemporary art, housing a collection of paintings and sculptures owned by Fondazione Carnevale di Viareggio.
The Viareggio Carnival Museum has been granted the status of regionally significant by the Region of Tuscany. This recognition, which has been in effect since 2020, underscores the museum’s cultural importance in preserving the traditions of the Viareggio Carnival.
Hours
September – May
Wednesday to Sunday 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
June – August
Wednesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The tickets listed below refer to self-guided visits
Full: €5.00
Reduced: €3.00 for members of the Touring Club Italiano, University Student Card holders, Regione Toscana Card, Edumusei Card holders, and ACI members. Groups and School groups of 15 to 25 people: €4.00 (booking recommended)
Free admission for children under 11 (who must be accompanied by a paying adult), Citizens of the European Union with disabilities and an accompanying person, group leaders and accompanying teachers of school groups.
You can purchase tickets directly at the ticket office up to 30 minutes before the Museum closes or make reservations:
By phone: +39 342.9207959
By e-mail: cittadelladelcarnevale@ilcarnevale.com
