Museo Diocesano e Gallerie del Tiepolo
Museum | Udine | Friuli-Venezia Giulia | Italy
The Museo Diocesano e Gallerie del Tiepolo in Udine is a significant art museum dedicated to sacred art, and in particular to the works of the Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo. It is located in the Palazzo Patriarcale, a historic building that was once the residence of the Patriarchs of Aquileia and later the Archbishops of Udine.
Collections and exhibitions
The museum houses an impressive collection of around 700 works, including paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects. A standout highlight is the frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo, which he painted between 1726 and 1728 on commission from Patriarch Dionisio Dolfin in the Palazzo. These works are located in the so-called "Piano Nobile" of the palace and include the ceiling frescoes in the "Sala Rossa", depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Another notable work is the fresco "The Expulsion of the Rebellious Angels" in the "Scalone d'onore", adorning the entrance of the museum.
In addition to the Tiepolo works, the museum's collection also includes significant wooden sculptures from the 12th to 18th centuries, documenting the development of sacred art in the region. A special focus is on the "Biblioteca del Patriarca Delfino", one of the most beautiful libraries in Northern Italy, housing around 12,000 volumes including illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, and rare first editions.
Significance of the museum
The Museo Diocesano e Gallerie del Tiepolo plays a central role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Udine and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. It offers visitors the opportunity to delve into the history and art of the region, experiencing Tiepolo's masterpieces and other significant works of sacred art. Through rotating exhibitions and cultural events, the museum fosters dialogue between past and present, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the region.
