Palestrina Birthplace Museum: A Journey into the Life of the Princeps Musicae
In Palestrina, Italy, the home of Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina has been transformed into a museum. Restored by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the residence on Vicolo Pierluigi was entrusted to the Fondazione Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina in 1994. This venue includes exhibition areas, a library, and an outdoor auditorium. The Biographical-Iconographic Exhibition, organized by Johann Herczog and Andrea Fiasco, illustrates Palestrina's life (1525-1594) with various documents and images. Notable features are an ancient cistern and the Sala Cingolani for seminars, while the second floor houses a library containing 7,000 volumes. Palestrina, a significant figure in Catholic Counter-Reformation music, passed away in Rome in 1594 and rests in St. Peter's Basilica. The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday.
Key facts
- The house museum is located at Vicolo Pierluigi 3, Palestrina, Italy.
- The building dates from the 15th-16th century and was restored by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.
- The Fondazione Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina received the house in 1994.
- The Biographical-Iconographic Exhibition was curated by Johann Herczog and Andrea Fiasco.
- The library holds about 7,000 volumes on music and musicology.
- Augusto and Giovanna Barberini donated antique furniture and an original oil portrait of Palestrina (c. 1580).
- Palestrina was born around 1525 and died in 1594 in Rome.
- He composed the Missa Papae Marcelli during the Council of Trent.
- The museum is closed on Mondays.
- Opening hours vary: Tue 09:30-13:30; Wed-Fri 09:30-13:30 and 14:30-17:30; Sat-Sun 09:30-12:30.
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
- Johann Herczog
- Andrea Fiasco
- Augusto Barberini
- Giovanna Barberini
- Michael D'Andrea
Institutions
- Fondazione Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
- Ministero dei Beni Culturali ed Ambientali
- Soprintendenza ai Beni Storici ed Artistici
- Cappella Giulia
- Cappella Sistina
- Basilica di San Pietro
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
- Cattedrale di Sant'Agapito
Locations
- Palestrina
- Italy
- Rome
- Vicolo Pierluigi
- Laurenceville
- USA
- State of the Church