Royal Armoury and Royal Library, Turin

One of the world’s most important and extensive collections of armoury. This vast collection amassed by the Savoy family is carefully displayed in the Royal Armoury of Turin Museum.

One of the world’s most important and extensive collections of armoury. This vast collection amassed by the Savoy family is carefully displayed in the Royal Armoury of Turin Museum. Located in the richly decorated Beaumont Gallery, a building which adjoins the Palazzo Reale to the Palazzo Madama on the Piazza Castello, Turin. The royal libraray (Biblioteca Reale) adjoins the armouries and is managed by the same trust.

The Beaumont Gallery which houses the vast and varied collection of weaponry was designed by Filippo Juvarra and the ceilings were decorated in the rich oil paintings of Claudio Francesco Beaumont, who lends his name to the building. First opened to the public in 1837 under the instruction of Charles Albert, King of Sardinia. His royal collection was impressive when the collection initially went on display but he went on to expand it buying up entire private collections, notably that of Milanese set designer Alessandro Sanquirico.

The main body of the collection is made up of pieces from Turin and Genoa’s military arsenal dating as far back as the 13th century. There are unique artefacts on display here which have massive historic significance; Napoleon’s sword used in Egypt; Charles V’s 16th century pistol, Henry II’s parade shield and countless more. The museum also incorporates the Medagliere (collection of medals and coins) in an adjoining room featuring purpose built Greek-style furniture.

The Medagliere adjoins the library which is situated in the ground floor section of the Palazzo Carigano. The royal library here was spawned from the archives of the Savoy Gallery and specialises in historic, artistic documents. Holding 40,000 documents in total, including famous sketches by Leonardo da Vinci and over 150 printed books from the medieval era it is an engrossing archive

 

Armeria Reale

Piazza Castello, 191, 10122 Torino, Italy


Royal Armoury and Royal Library, Turin
Royal Armoury and Royal Library, Turin

Temporarily Closed !

Opening Hours

Monday:
10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday:
09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday:
09:00 - 19:00
Thursday:
09:00 - 19:00
Friday:
09:00 - 19:00
Saturday:
09:00 - 19:00
Sunday:
09:00 - 19:00
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