Diocesan museum of sacred art (Arezzo)


The Diocesan museum of sacred art in Arezzo was founded in 1963 but opened regularly to the public only in 1985, and was housed in several rooms above the sacristy of the Cathedral of San Donato. In 2011 it was relocated to the first floor of the bishop's residence. The museum exhibits works of art and liturgical items, from the 12th to the 19th centuries, that come from the cathedral and other churches in the diocesan territory, significant for their religious and cultural significance to Arezzo and the surrounding area. Highlights of the museum include several works of Giorgio Vasari and the Pace di Siena.
The museum is accessible to the disabled, offers space for teaching, temporary exhibitions, and restoration.

Works

The museum occupies five rooms and offers an itinerary focusing on history, art, and devotional practices of the region, the Diocese of Arezzo-Cortona-Sansepolcro.

First room

The first room contains the oldest works among which are paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, liturgical vestments, and medieval gold and silver work, including:
The second room is dedicated to works made in the 15th and early 16th centuries. Of particular interest are:
This room is almost entirely dedicated to the intellectual and artist from Arezzo, Giorgio Vasari. Of note are:
The final two rooms present works of art and liturgical objects dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, from the cathedral and churches of the diocese. Of greatest interest are: