The museum of the Cathedral works, holding original sculpture, treasury pieces and the Pisa Griffin, with a terrace overlooking the Tower.
The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo occupies the former Canons' Chapter building on Piazza Arcivescovado. Its collection preserves works removed from the Cathedral, Baptistery and Tower for protection, including Giovanni Pisano's ivory Madonna and Child, sculptural fragments, goldsmith work, liturgical vestments and archaeological items. The Pisa Griffin, a large medieval Islamic bronze that once crowned the Cathedral, is the museum's most unusual object. A panoramic terrace gives a close, elevated look at the Tower and the square. The museum is a good first stop for understanding how the monuments of the piazza were built and maintained.
| Admission | Adult About EUR 5-7 (~$6-8) when bought separately; confirm at opapisa.it · Child Reduced or free for young children; confirm at opapisa.it |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily with seasonal variation; check opapisa.it |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Late afternoon for the terrace views of the Tower |
| Getting there | Behind the Leaning Tower on Piazza Arcivescovado; 2.5 km from Pisa Centrale |
| Address | Piazza Arcivescovado 8, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- sculpture fans, history buffs, photographers
Location
Piazza Arcivescovado 8, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7237, 10.3966 View on map
Highlights
- Giovanni Pisano's ivory Madonna and Child
- Pisa Griffin, a medieval Islamic bronze
- Original sculpture removed from the monuments
- Terrace with views of the Tower
Tips for visiting
- Climb to the terrace for a close view of the Tower from above
- Look for the Pisa Griffin, a large Islamic bronze that once stood on the Cathedral roof
When to visit
Late afternoon for light on the Tower from the terrace.
Accessibility
Lifts serve the main floors, and the terrace is reached by stairs. Assistance can be arranged with the Opera della Primaziale Pisana.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the museum worth visiting?
Yes, for original sculpture and the terrace view of the Tower; allow about an hour.