Civic Museum of Oriental Art, Trieste

The Civic Museum of Oriental Art in Trieste was opened to the public in 2001 after reconstruction and renovation works. It is located in Palazzetto Leo on Via S. Sebastiano street which is near Piazza Unita d'Italia.

Museum’s exhibitions

The museum is pretty small, but it never fails to attract a large number of tourists and locals. The exhibition that is housed on four floors in Palazzetto Leo consists of several sections. It starts with the story of how relations between Trieste and the East. Currently, visitors can enjoy a fascinating collection of clothes, embroidered silk fabric dating back to the Qing dynasty (19th century) and porcelain wares dating back to the Song dynasty (11th–13th century.) Don’t forget to check out the Gandhara sculptures and various pieces brought from China that relate to Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The museum also puts Japanese kimonos, musical instruments, and masks from Kabuki theater on display.

However, the highlight of the museum is considered to be, without a doubt, its unique collection of prints created by great Japanese artists, such as Katsushika Hokusai. The place features her world-known woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” Moreover, there is also a huge samurai weapon and armory collection.

Workshops for children are held inside on the eve of holidays in China and Japan; Chinese New Year is celebrated here as well.

How to get

You can reach the Civic Museum of Oriental Art by taking buses № 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 24, 30.

Opening hours: from 10:00 till 13:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; from 16:00 till 19:00 on Friday and Saturday; from 10:00 till 19:00 on Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Admission: free.