The museum is housed in a former Benedictine monastery that retains its original Romanesque cloister and monastic chapel.
The collection contains rare examples of 12th-century wooden sculptures that showcase the early transition from Byzantine to Gothic styles in Pisa.
It holds an extensive array of illuminated choir books created by local monastic scriptoriums during the Middle Ages.
The display includes the 'Madonna and Child' by Donatello, a testament to the influence of the Florentine Renaissance on Pisan art.
Many of the paintings on display were originally commissioned for the city’s major churches and monasteries, having been moved here for preservation.
The museum preserves a significant section of Islamic and Mediterranean ceramics found in Pisa, highlighting the city's role as a major maritime republic.
The National Museum of San Matteo houses one of Italy's most significant collections of medieval art, specifically focusing on the Pisan school of painting and sculpture. It is uniquely situated within the restored 13th-century Benedictine monastery of San Matteo in Soarta, preserving original architectural features like the cloister. The collection features a profound range of illuminated manuscripts, wooden sculptures, and panel paintings dating from the 12th to the 15th century. Notable masters represented include Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, and Simone Martini. Visitors can view the evolution of religious iconography, including gold-ground altarpieces and intricate choir books. The museum also displays ceramics, bronzes, and archaeological findings recovered from the local area. Its layout reflects the monastic roots of the building, providing a narrative sequence through centuries of religious artistic development.
The central cloister provides the most atmospheric lighting and architectural framing for photography.
Dedicate time to the upper floor to see the large-scale wooden crucifixes, which are among the most important examples in European art history.
Speak with the staff to identify which specific temporary exhibits might be currently utilizing the cloister space.
The museum is often less crowded than the monuments in the Piazza dei Miracoli, making it ideal for undisturbed viewing.
Do not mistake this for the tourist-heavy area around the Leaning Tower; this museum is situated in a quieter, historic district.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet tone suitable for a monastic space and refrain from touching the ancient wood carvings or manuscripts.
