The historic city of Siena (Tuscany) is dedicated to art and culture during the entire month of February. The many initiatves involve the Civic Museum (one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in the world), the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale), the ancient hospice of Santa Maria della Scala, the Cathedral, the Jewish Sinagogue, the Accademia Musicale Chigiana and the Botanical Gardens.
The Civic Museum has free entrance every Tuesday, while on Sundays there are performances by the LaLut company of actors representing the most celebrated artists of the Sienese school. From Thursdays to Sundays, the costumes of the Palio parade will be on view at the Palazzo Comunale and on Sunday 21st the Stanze Segrete (Secret Rooms) on the ground floor, containing works of art that are usually not accessible, will be open to the public.
Santa Maria della Scala has a special programme for children: SienaFrancigenaKids, focussed on the Via Francigena pilgrim's route, where the hospice played an important role in assisting the medieval travellers walking down through Italy to Rome.
The Opera del Duomo of the cathedral has free guided visits every Tuesday and on Saturdays, a series of lectures on works of art, Risvegli d'arte, held in the crypt. On Sunday 28th February, there will be a repeat of the popular Il Saloncino – un tè all'Opera lecture. Tea will be served at the end of the the talk.
The Accademia Musicale Chigiana has its seat in Palazzo Chigi Saracini, which contains one of the most important private art collections in Italy, with painings, sculptures, bas reliefs, porcelain and ceramics. As part of the February at the Museum initiative, the palace will be open every Tuesday this month free of charge.
On Sundays, the Siena Sinagogue organizes visits, musical and cultural events centred on the life of the Jewish community, many of which suitable for children.
Children are also invited to take part in the Green Treasure Hunt, where they have to identify plants and trees, at the Botanical Gardens every Saturday and Sunday through February.
The Museum of Natural History in the Accademia dei Fisiocritici is part of the February at the Museums programme. However, it will continue its programme of free visits, scientific demonstrations and special events throughout the whole year. Fascinating tours iof the 19th century
exposition area include guided visits dedicated to animals and the story of astronomy, with scientific insturments of the past. The museum has also a modern computerized Planetarium, located in the former water cistern in the Academy basement.
Most of the events above-mentioned require prior booking.
For full information: Tel.++39.0577.247145 - www.comune.siena.it/febbraioalmuseo
