Pisa
University collection in Pisa

Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

Explore a unique collection of classical plaster casts in the heart of Pisa

ArtHistory

A university plaster-cast collection presenting replicas of Greek, Etruscan and Roman sculpture in San Paolo all'Orto. Full-scale casts allow close comparisons and reveal how archaeology and art history were taught.

A university plaster-cast collection presenting replicas of Greek, Etruscan and Roman sculpture in San Paolo all'Orto.

Gipsoteca of Ancient Art
About the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa serves as a specialized university collection featuring detailed replicas of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman sculpture. Housed within the historic San Paolo all'Orto, this museum focuses on classical sculpture through carefully preserved plaster casts. These full-scale reproductions offer a unique look at how archaeology and art history are interpreted.

Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Gipsoteca of Ancient Art opening hours in Pisa

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Gipsoteca of Ancient Art. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Pisa.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
-
10:00-13:00 · 15:00-19:00
10:00-13:00 · 15:00-19:00
10:00-13:00 · 15:00-19:00
10:00-13:00 · 15:00-19:00
15:00-19:00
-
Admission and Ticket Information

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art offers free general admission for all visitors, providing accessible entry to the university plaster-cast collection in Pisa. While entry to the galleries is free of charge, specific programs such as guided visits are available for 5 EUR per participant. Additionally, family activities are provided through the University Museum System for 6 EUR per child, and group booking options are also supported.

General admission
Free
Guided visit
€5.00
Family activity per child
€6.00
Visitor amenities and practical information at the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art provides practical support for visitors, including nearby access to public transportation and designated cycle parking located in the immediate vicinity of the venue. While guided educational visits are available, these sessions are subject to limited scheduling based on current university museum operations. Visitors are encouraged to plan their arrival using local transport networks to reach the site comfortably.

Educational visits

Limited

Cycle parking about 40 m away

Available

Public transport within 210 m

Available
Family visits at the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art participates in the University of Pisa Museum System's family activity programme, offering collection-led learning and bookable workshops. Families can explore ancient sculpture through educator-led demonstrations or practical activities. For details on age-specific opportunities and advance booking requirements, please view the dedicated family resources page.

Recommended age: Up to age 17

Gipsoteca of Ancient Art participates in the University of Pisa Museum System's family activity programme.

Why families will enjoy it

  • University museum family activity
  • Collection-led learning
  • Bookable workshop
Location of the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art is situated in the San Francesco neighborhood of Pisa, housed within the historic site of Piazza San Paolo all'Orto. This location allows visitors to easily integrate a tour of its extensive plaster-cast collections into a wider exploration of the nearby university monuments and central riverside sites throughout the city.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Piazza San Paolo all'Orto 20

56127 Pisa

San Francesco, Tuscany, IT

Planning your visit to the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

Visitors to the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in the San Francesco neighborhood of Pisa should plan for a stay of 60 to 90 minutes to fully experience the collection. Reservations are recommended to ensure your entry, and checking the official schedule for day-specific hours and potential closures before traveling is advised. The facility is located at Piazza San Paolo all'Orto 20, making it accessible for those exploring the city center.

Planning your visit to the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

Experience the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art offers a unique opportunity to explore classical sculpture through an extensive collection of historic plaster casts in Pisa. Housed within the former church of San Paolo all'Orto, this university collection provides visitors with an immersive look at Greek, Etruscan, and Roman masterpieces. Full-scale replicas allow for intimate study and close comparisons, revealing the pedagogical methods historically used in archaeology and art history. The venue provides a distinct cultural focus, connecting students and curious visitors to the evolution of classical forms. Guests can examine these defining objects and the surrounding architectural details as part of a deeper exploration of the city's academic heritage.

Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Top exhibition picks at Gipsoteca of Ancient Art
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Pisa
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Gipsoteca of Ancient Art, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Pisa.
Watercolor illustration of a rough contemporary ceramic sculpture beside a classical white plaster statue of a spear-bearing male figure in a vaulted university gallery.
From Dec 15, 2024

A memoria di forma Exhibition at Gipsoteca di Arte Antica in Pisa

Contemporary ceramic art dialogue featuring Caterina Sbrana and Gabriele Mallegni.

Discover hybrid ceramic and terracotta forms that reinterpret ancient sculptural techniques. This collaborative project at the Gipsoteca di Arte Antica investigates memory, transformation, and artistic regeneration through imaginative portraiture and architectural studies.

A memoria di forma
Watercolor illustration of a museum gallery displaying Etruscan funerary artifacts, including a sarcophagus, pottery urns, and architectural fragments, behind glass cases with informational panels.
From Sep 19, 2025

Eternal Dwellings: The Etruscan Tumuli of the Colombaie in Volterra

Archaeological exhibition featuring research on Etruscan burial mounds.

Discover archaeological findings and restored artifacts from the Colombaie site. The display synthesizes scientific analyses and digital documentation to illuminate ancient Etruscan funerary life.

Eternal Dwellings
Watercolor illustration of a museum vitrine displaying ancient Omani artifacts including stone vessels, pottery jars, and small clay seals from the Al Tikha excavation.
From May 13, 2025

The Seals of Al Tikha Archaeological Exhibition in Pisa

Ancient artifacts from the Umm an Nar and Iron Age.

Discover archaeological research conducted in Oman, featuring artifacts from the Al Tikha settlement. The display highlights production facilities, ritual practices, and historical landscape changes.

Al Tikha Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a classical gallery interior with white marble statues and columns, accented by vivid purple geometric shapes and flowing lines for the exhibition 'Sacred: Rethinking Ancient Art.'
Sep 26, 2019 – Oct 24, 2019

Sacred: Rethinking Ancient Art Exhibition at Gipsoteca Pisa

A modern artistic dialogue with historical sculpture.

Discover how contemporary graphic works by Andrea De Ranieri offer new perspectives on iconic classical statues. The exhibition invites reflection on timeless values through a curated series of modern responses to ancient art.

Sacred Exhibition
Watercolor illustration in purple tones of a gallery installation featuring a large stone ramp model, scattered sculptural blocks, and a projection screen on the back wall.
Until Apr 20, 2022

An Archaeology of Disability at the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

A collaborative research project on history, architecture, and inclusion.

Discover how the project reimagines the history of the Athenian Acropolis through the lens of disability. Featuring tactile elements and new scholarly interpretations, the display brings ancient Athenian monuments to life with a focus on inclusive accessibility.

An Archaeology of Disability
Watercolor illustration of terracotta hybrid sculptures featuring horned, winged, and centaur figures on display in a gallery with classical plaster casts.
May 3, 2022 – Jun 30, 2022

Terra: Monica Mariniello Sculptures at Gipsoteca di Arte Antica

A contemporary sculptural dialogue on ecology and human-animal relationships.

Explore Monica Mariniello's terracotta series including Viaggiatori and Teatrum Mundi. These works examine the fragility of existence and our environmental impact through expressive clay forms displayed alongside classical casts.

Terra Exhibition

Historical Background of the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art was founded in 1887 by archaeologist Gherardo Ghirardini as a vital teaching collection. It provided students with rare access to full-scale replicas of Greek and Roman sculpture for academic comparison. The collection is now housed within the former church of San Paolo all'Orto in Pisa. This arrangement effectively layers the **history of classical-archaeology teaching** over a medieval monument, preserving a tradition of academic study.

  • Teaching collection founded in 1887

    1887Founding

    Archaeologist Gherardo Ghirardini founded the university plaster-cast collection in 1887. Casts allowed students to compare Greek and Roman sculpture at full scale when travel and access to originals were far more limited.

  • Historic teaching casts

    Collection

    The University of Pisa collection preserves plaster casts of ancient sculpture assembled for archaeological and art-historical teaching.

  • Casts installed in San Paolo all'Orto

    Relocation

    The collection was later arranged in the former church of San Paolo all'Orto, itself a medieval building with a Pisan Romanesque façade. The setting layers the history of classical-archaeology teaching over a reused religious monument.

Questions about Visiting the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

Planning a trip to the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa but worried about where to lock your bike or when the doors actually swing open? We have collected answers to the most common queries, from parking logistics to opening times, to ensure your visit is as smooth as an ancient marble sculpture.

Is Gipsoteca of Ancient Art open on Mondays?

No, Gipsoteca of Ancient Art is closed on Mondays.

What are the weekend opening hours for Gipsoteca of Ancient Art?

On Saturdays, Gipsoteca of Ancient Art is open from 15:00 to 19:00. On Sundays, the venue is closed.

What are the opening hours of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art?

Gipsoteca of Ancient Art is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00, and on Saturdays from 15:00 to 19:00.

Does Gipsoteca of Ancient Art have special opening hours or holiday closures?

There are no listed special opening hours or closures for Gipsoteca of Ancient Art.

Planning your visit to the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

Visitors to the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art should plan to spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the extensive collection of plaster-cast sculptures. Making a reservation is recommended to ensure a smooth entry experience, especially when navigating the historic setting of the former church of San Paolo all'Orto. For those arriving by bicycle, public cycle parking is available nearby in the piazza, while several public transport bus lines serve the immediate area. Arriving during quieter weekday morning periods can help ensure a more relaxed experience among the exhibitions. Before your visit, it is advisable to check for any temporary room closures or specific photography guidelines that may be in effect.

Visitor experience at the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in the San Francesco neighborhood of Pisa is well-suited for students, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the detailed study of classical sculpture. Its collection of plaster casts offers a focused educational experience that rewards those who appreciate the intersection of archaeology and art history. Visitors should plan for an engaging experience that requires around 60 to 90 minutes to fully explore the historical setting and the casts on display. The site caters to a wide range of audiences, including individuals, couples, and groups seeking a deeper understanding of the university's historical collections.

Visual Tour of the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art

Explore the historic halls of the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa, where a vast collection of plaster casts brings classical sculpture to life. The gallery visuals showcase an array of detailed replicas of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman masterworks set within the architectural space of San Paolo all'Orto. These images offer a preview of the scholarly environment that defines this unique university collection.

Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Representative view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
Interior view of Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in Pisa.
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Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Pisa
Find everything about Gipsoteca of Ancient Art in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
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