In the heart of Valsesia, the Palazzo dei Musei of Varallo houses two souls that intertwine harmoniously; the artistic one, represented by the Art Gallery (Pinacoteca), and the scientific one, embodied in the Calderini Museum. It is a place that narrates centuries of knowledge and beauty, offering visitors a journey through art, nature, and material culture.
Founded in 1886, the Pinacoteca documents the evolution of Valsesian painting from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Among its most notable works are those by Gaudencio Ferrari and Tanzio da Varallo, leading figures of the local and national artistic scene. The exhibition unfolds in thematic rooms dedicated to different centuries and is enriched by precious collections such as the Italian majolica collection, donated by Francesco Franchi and the Remogna collection, which includes works by Camillo Procaccini and Giambettino Cignaroli.
On the second floor is the Calderini Museum, founded in 1867 by naturalist Pietro Calderini. The collection ranges from mineralogy to zoology, from archaeology to ethnography, with rare and surprising specimens. Highlights include evidence of Egyptian and Etruscan civilizations and an important historical herbarium.
The Palazzo is managed by the Società di Incoraggiamento allo Studio del Disegno e di Conservazione delle Opere d’Arte in Valsesia – Onlus, an organization dedicated to heritage preservation and cultural promotion. Educational programs for schools, workshops, and learning activities complement the museum experience.
Visiting the Palazzo dei Musei means connecting with the intellectual heart of Valsesia, between paintings, objects, fossils and stories waiting to be rediscovered.