Fano, a city overlooking the shores of the Adriatic Sea, is a hidden gem of the Marche region of Italy.

Known for its golden beaches, vibrant dining scene and rich history dating back to Roman times, Fano is a destination that offers something for everyone. But there is one aspect of Fano that deserves special attention: its museums.

Fano’s museums are custodians of priceless treasures, places where time seems to stand still and where every object tells a story. From ancient art to natural history, from archaeological artifacts to ethnographic collections, Fano’s museums offer a vast and varied cultural landscape capable of captivating both younger and more experienced visitors.

Here is a guide to Fano’s major museums, with all the information you need to plan your visit. Let’s find out together what each of these museums has to offer.

Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery of the Malatesta Palace

The Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery in the Malatesta Palace represent a journey through time. Located in the heart of Fano, inside the monumental Palazzo Malatestiano, the museum houses a wide range of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman period of Fanum Fortunae to contemporary art. The collections include local, Venetian, Bolognese, and Roman paintings from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, as well as works of contemporary art. A place where history and art come together, creating a unique experience for visitors.

Address: XX September Square, 4 Contact: +39 0721 887845, museocivico@comune.fano.pu.it

Flaminia Museum – San Michele Monumental Complex

The Flaminia Museum is a virtual portal that takes visitors along the ancient Roman consular road. Soon to be inaugurated in the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, the museum is equipped with high-tech multimedia media that provide art-historical information, striking images and immersive experiences. A fascinating journey through Roman history to discover how our ancestors lived.

Address: Via Arco d’Augusto Contact: +39 0721 887401, cultura@comune.fano.pu.it

San Domenico Picture Gallery

The San Domenico Picture Gallery, located in the former church of San Domenico, is a treasure trove of sacred art. The gallery is home to Guercino’s famous “Marriage of the Virgin” altarpiece, canvases by Simone Cantarini and Sebastiano Ceccarini, Simone de Magistris, Giovan Francesco Guerrieri, Federico Barocci, Palma the Younger, Federico Zuccari and other important 17th century painters. A place of contemplation and beauty, where sacred art reveals its power and spirituality.

Address: Via Arco d’Augusto Contact: +39 0721 802885, info@fondazionecarifano.it

Fano Savings Bank Foundation Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery of the Fano Savings Bank Foundation is a hidden treasure inside the Malatesta Palace. The Quadreria houses the “Portrait Room,” which includes thirteen paintings, seven by Carlo Magini, three by Sebastiano Ceccarini and his workshop, one by Jacob Ferdinand Vouet, and two by unknown authors. This collection offers a fascinating look at the history of portrait art, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a journey through the faces and stories of the past.

Address: Via Montevecchio, 114 Contact: +39 0721 802885, info@fondazionecarifano.it

Museum of Natural Sciences – Bracci Pagani Palace

The Natural Science Museum, located in the Bracci Pagani Palace, is a fascinating journey into the world of nature. The museum offers an extensive collection of fossils and minerals, as well as a section devoted to paleontology. It is a place where science comes to life, offering visitors the chance to explore the natural world in new and exciting ways.

Address: Corso Matteotti, 97 Contact: +39 327 8397355, info@circolocastellani.org

Diocesan Museum: Lapidary and Museum Collection

The Diocesan Museum, located in the premises of the former Pontifical Regional Seminary, is a treasure trove of works of art and historical artifacts. The museum is divided into two sections: the Lapidary and the Museum Collection, which mainly house works owned by the diocese or from deconsecrated churches or from loans on loan. A place of great historical and cultural value, offering an immersion in the religious and artistic history of Fano.

Address: Via Roma, 118 Contact: +39 0721 803737, +39 0721 826044, beniculturali@fanodiocesi.it

Bagnaresi Ethnic Museum – Malatesta Palace

The Bagnaresi Ethnic Museum, located in the Malatesta Palace, is a journey through the cultures of the world. Thanks to the generosity of Maria Teresa Bagnaresi, the museum houses a valuable and unique collection of works of art, craftsmanship and multi-ethnic interest, collected over forty years of travel to all five continents.A trip to this museum is a journey around the world, an opportunity to discover and appreciate the diversity and richness of human cultures.

Address: Via Montevecchio, 114 Contact: +39 0721 802885, info@fondazionecarifano.it

Each museum in Fano tells a unique story, offering a journey through centuries of history, art and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover these hidden treasures during your visit to Fano.

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We look forward to seeing you in Fano, where history comes alive!