GemmaTurin, the elegant northern Italian city tucked between the Alps and the Po River, isn’t just about chocolate and shiny Fiat cars. For art lovers, this city is a hidden treasure trove, brimming with galleries, museums, street art, and architectural wonders that you truly need to see. If you’ve ever found yourself wandering European cities thinking, “Where’s the heart of art here?”—Turin will answer that question in style, with a dash of history and plenty of creative flair. From my own personal experience, Turin has a way of surprising you: just when you think you’ve seen it all, a quiet courtyard or a centuries-old painting will make you stop and marvel.
Here’s a curated guide of 12 things to do in Turin that every art lover will appreciate.
1. Visit the Egyptian Museum – A Masterpiece of Antiquity
If you think art is only painting and sculpture, think again. Turin’s Egyptian Museum is the second-largest Egyptian collection in the world after Cairo, and it’s a must-see for any art lover. You’ll find intricate jewelry, statues, and artifacts that showcase the beauty of craftsmanship from thousands of years ago.
Walking through the halls, you almost feel the weight of history, as if the artists of the past were whispering their secrets. Tip: Take your time with the mummies—it’s surprisingly moving.
2. Explore the Mole Antonelliana – Iconic Architecture
The Mole Antonelliana isn’t just Turin’s skyline icon; it’s also an architectural masterpiece. Originally intended as a synagogue, its towering spire now houses the National Cinema Museum. The building itself is art—tall, elegant, and impossibly detailed.
From my overall experience, climbing the panoramic lift to the top is worth it. You get an extraordinary view of the city, with the Alps framing the horizon like a perfect painting. Don’t forget your camera—this is the kind of shot that will make everyone back home jealous.
3. Marvel at the Galleria Sabauda
If painting is more your style, the Galleria Sabauda will feel like a private conversation with the masters. Featuring Italian and Flemish works from the 14th to the 19th century, it’s easy to lose track of time here. The colors, brushstrokes, and even the stories behind each piece make it impossible not to linger.
Pro tip: Don’t rush. Some paintings are subtle and need quiet observation—you might notice details you’d never expect.
4. Wander Around Palazzo Madama
Palazzo Madama is one of those places where history and art collide beautifully. The palace itself is a work of art, with a medieval castle fused with baroque elegance. Inside, you’ll find a variety of collections, from sculptures to decorative arts.
One thing I’ve always loved about Palazzo Madama is its layers of time. Walking through its rooms feels like peeling back history, discovering how each generation contributed to its artistic identity.
5. Get Lost in Street Art
Turin isn’t just about old masters; its streets are alive with contemporary creativity. Neighborhoods like Aurora and San Salvario showcase murals, graffiti, and installations that reflect current social themes. You’ll find vibrant colors, powerful messages, and sometimes quirky surprises that make the city feel alive.
From my overall experience, walking through these streets is like visiting an open-air gallery—you never know what masterpiece you’ll stumble upon next.
6. Step Inside the Royal Palace of Turin
The Royal Palace, or Palazzo Reale, is a testament to the power of art and design as a display of prestige. Its rooms are filled with exquisite tapestries, frescoes, and furniture that reveal the taste of the Savoy family over centuries. Even the architecture itself is an art form, with symmetry and detail that are breathtaking.
Fun fact: Don’t skip the Royal Armoury—it’s part of the palace and shows how artistic craftsmanship extends even to weaponry.
7. Discover the MAO – Museo d’Arte Orientale
If you love exploring different cultures, the MAO is an unexpected gem. It houses an extensive collection of Asian art, including Japanese prints, Indian sculptures, and Chinese ceramics. The museum is small but thoughtfully curated, allowing you to immerse yourself without feeling rushed.
From my own personal experience, the serene layout makes it easy to appreciate every piece and even imagine the stories behind them.
8. Admire Contemporary Works at Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
For a taste of cutting-edge art, the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo is a must. It focuses on contemporary artists, showcasing experimental and innovative works that challenge traditional boundaries.
Walking through this space, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery. One day you might see a video installation that moves you emotionally, the next a sculpture that makes you laugh out loud. Turin’s contemporary art scene is dynamic, playful, and thought-provoking.
9. Step Back in Time at Villa della Regina
Villa della Regina is a bit off the typical tourist path, but that’s what makes it special. Set on a hillside, the villa combines baroque architecture, lush gardens, and art collections that reflect centuries of elegance.
From my overall experience, wandering the gardens while admiring frescoed rooms is a peaceful way to connect with Turin’s artistic soul. Plus, the views over the city are absolutely worth it.
10. Experience the Cinema Museum
Cinema and visual art intersect beautifully at the National Cinema Museum inside Mole Antonelliana. Its exhibits are immersive, blending historical film artifacts with interactive installations. You’ll see the evolution of filmmaking as an art form, from silent films to modern digital techniques.
Let me show you how I make the most of this experience: I start with the historical galleries to understand the roots of cinema, then move to the interactive sections where the art becomes tangible. It’s a fun and enlightening journey.
11. Visit the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli
Housed atop Turin’s iconic Lingotto building, the Pinacoteca Agnelli is a compact yet dazzling gallery. It’s filled with masterpieces by Picasso, Canaletto, and Matisse, among others. The combination of modern architecture and classic paintings creates a fascinating contrast.
From my own personal experience, seeing these works in a quiet, intimate space makes the art feel incredibly personal, almost like the artists are speaking directly to you.
12. Stroll Through Quadrilatero Romano
Art isn’t always behind glass. Turin’s historic Quadrilatero Romano district is an artistic playground in itself. Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, artisan shops, and tiny galleries make every corner worth exploring.
You’ll find murals, sculptures in public spaces, and design studios that showcase the city’s creative pulse. From my overall experience, this is the perfect place to end your art tour: it’s lively, charming, and full of surprises you truly need to see.
Final Thoughts on Turin for Art Lovers
Turin may not be the first city that comes to mind for art, but it’s an underrated treasure waiting to be explored. From centuries-old masterpieces to contemporary installations, every visit offers something new. Whether you prefer wandering museums or discovering street art, Turin combines sophistication, history, and creativity in a way that leaves you inspired.
From my own personal experience, taking time to explore both the well-known landmarks and the hidden corners makes all the difference. Turin isn’t just a city to see—it’s a city to feel, experience, and fall in love with, one artwork at a time.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.