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Museums #5 in Arezzo

Casa Vasari

4.5 · 1,463 reviews
A quiet and scholarly intimate environment.
Casa Vasari, Via XX Settembre, 55, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
Interesting facts
1

Vasari purchased and renovated this house in 1541 as a wedding gift for himself and his wife, Niccolosa Bacci.

2

The interior frescoes were intended to serve as a personal statement on the status of the artist in society.

3

The wooden ceiling in the Chamber of Fame is a masterpiece of Mannerist design, incorporating complex mythological imagery.

4

The museum holds a permanent collection of over 50 paintings by artists associated with Vasari’s circle.

5

The building was designed to be a private monument to Vasari's own career, an unusual practice for an artist of that time.

6

The original layout of the residence remains largely intact, offering insight into 16th-century domestic life for a successful artist.

7

The archives kept here include letters from major historical figures like Michelangelo and Pope Pius V.

Overview

Casa Vasari is the historic residence where the painter and biographer Giorgio Vasari lived and worked in the 16th century. The building features an elaborately frescoed interior designed and executed by Vasari himself between 1542 and 1548. The most significant room is the Chamber of Fame and the Arts, which celebrates the intellectual and artistic achievements of the Renaissance. The house serves as a public museum showcasing a collection of paintings, letters, and personal artifacts from the 16th-century Tuscan school. It is officially managed by the Italian Ministry of Culture and is located in the heart of Arezzo's historic center. The museum contains an archive of historical documents and correspondences of the period.

Photo spot

The central Chamber of Fame and the Arts, specifically the ornate painted ceiling.

Insider tips

Combine your visit with the nearby Arezzo Cathedral to see more works associated with the Vasari legacy.

Ask the staff about the specific symbolism behind the ceiling frescoes in the Chamber of Fame.

Check the official museum website before visiting to see if any temporary art exhibitions are currently installed.

What to avoid

Do not mistake it for the other Vasari-related site in Florence; ensure your map is set for the Arezzo address.

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet tone in the small rooms; photography is permitted without flash.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45-60 minutes
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid the afternoon crowds that visit during weekend city tours.
Address
Casa Vasari, Via XX Settembre, 55, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
43.469, 11.880
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsChamber of Fame and the Arts, 16th-century fresco cycle, portrait of Giorgio Vasari.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45-60 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid the afternoon crowds that visit during weekend city tours..

The central Chamber of Fame and the Arts, specifically the ornate painted ceiling.

Close by you'll find Piazza Grande, Arezzo Cathedral, Basilica di San Francesco.