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Palazzo Blu: A Pisan Cultural Gem

Explore Pisan art and culture in a stunningly restored palace with a vibrant blue facade, hosting diverse exhibitions.

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Palazzo Blu, a beautifully restored 14th-century palace on the Arno, hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. Its name comes from its distinctive blue facade, a reminder of its past. A visit offers a glimpse into Pisan art and history.

A brief summary to Palazzo Blu

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Palazzo Blu website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Arno River.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibitions and collections.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Blu is located in the heart of Pisa on Lungarno Gambacorti, making it easily accessible by foot from many central locations. From the Leaning Tower, walk south along Via Santa Maria, then turn right onto Lungarno Mediceo. Continue along the riverfront, and Palazzo Blu will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near Palazzo Blu. Look for bus lines 1+, 2, 4, 5, 13, 14, 21, 22, 25 or 26, which have stops on Lungarno Gambacorti. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50 and is valid for 70 minutes, allowing for transfers. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands, tobacconists, or vending machines.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Pisa. A short taxi ride from Pisa Centrale train station to Palazzo Blu will cost approximately €7 - €10, depending on traffic. You can find taxis at designated taxi stands or call Radio Taxi Pisa (+39 050 541 600). Ensure the driver resets the meter at the beginning of the ride.

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Discover more about Palazzo Blu

Palazzo Blu, officially Palazzo Giuli Rosselmini Gualandi, is a cultural hub in the heart of Pisa, located on Lungarno Gambacorti. The palace's history dates back to the 11th century, with significant modifications and renovations over the centuries. It derives its popular name, Palazzo Blu, from the blue color of its facade, a hue that was brought back to light during a recent restoration and is believed to originate from when the building housed guests from St. Petersburg in the 18th century. Throughout its history, Palazzo Blu has been owned by several prominent Pisan families, including the Dell'Agnellos, Sancasciani, and Del Testa. In the 19th century, it was even used as a post office. The Fondazione Pisa acquired the palazzo in 2001 and transformed it into a public space for art and culture, opening its doors in 2008. Today, Palazzo Blu hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural activities, and permanent collections. The permanent collection showcases Pisan art from the 14th to the 20th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic works by local artists. Temporary exhibitions feature national and international artists, covering diverse topics from science to cinema. The building also has an auditorium and spaces for permanent exhibitions, including the Foundation's art collections, the historic residence, and the Simoneschi Collection. Visitors can also explore the archeological area in the basement and the noble residence, furnished as it would have been in the 19th century. Palazzo Blu aims to promote cultural exchange by hosting conferences, meetings, and events.

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