At the foot of Torre dei Lamberti, inside Verona’s medieval Palazzo della Ragione, this gallery pairs Italian art from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century with rooms that preserve the building’s older character. Follow paintings and sculptures through a display that brings earlier and more modern works together, then look for the frescoed historic rooms. Temporary exhibitions add a changing contemporary-art perspective. The gallery is a quieter art stop near Piazza delle Erbe, with enough to see for an hour or two.
Art inside Palazzo della Ragione
The gallery occupies Palazzo della Ragione, a medieval public building beside Piazza delle Erbe and beneath Torre dei Lamberti. To reach the exhibition rooms, take the Gothic-style Scala della Ragione, known as the Stairs of Reason. The historic setting is part of the visit: the gallery’s art sits within a building whose older rooms and architectural details remain visible.
The collection brings together the Achille Forti collection and selected works from the Fondazione Domus collections. Its focus is Italian art from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, including paintings and sculptures associated with the Italian avant-garde. The displays also connect some themes to Verona.
A route through Italian art
The works span changing approaches to painting and sculpture, and the arrangement moves between older and more modern pieces. Rather than following a single artist, you can take the rooms as a broad passage through Italian art across several generations. Some of the paintings retain classical or religious subjects, even as the gallery’s collection covers a period commonly associated with modern art.
Among the works identified in the collection are Francesco Hayez’s portrait Meditazione, Angelo Dall’Oca’s Foglie cadenti and Ettore Berladini’s I vecchi. Their subjects and styles offer different points of entry into the displays. Labels in the rooms provide information about the art and its connection to Verona.
Historic rooms and changing exhibitions
Alongside the gallery displays, the building contains well-preserved formal rooms dating to the 15th century, with frescoes from the 18th century. These rooms give the visit a second focus beyond the art collection. Take time to look at the interiors as you move between galleries, including the decorated chapel.
Temporary exhibitions bring a contemporary element to the visit and change over time. Their subjects and works can differ from the permanent collection, so the gallery may feel different on a return visit. Student guides from a local art college have also provided information about the artworks, including in English.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti?
It is inside Palazzo della Ragione at Cortile Mercato Vecchio 6, beside Piazza delle Erbe and at the foot of Torre dei Lamberti.
How long should I spend at the gallery?
Allow about one to two hours to see the collection and historic rooms.
What kind of art is on display?
The collection focuses on Italian art from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, with paintings and sculptures. Temporary exhibitions add contemporary works.
Is the gallery included in the Verona Card?
Entry is included with the 24-hour Verona Card.
