Genoa and Van Dyck: A Journey Through Collections and Masterpieces

On the occasion of the major international exhibition “Van Dyck the European”, hosted in Genoa at Palazzo Ducale from March 20 to July 19, a new thematic guided tour invites visitors to discover Van Dyck’s masterpieces set within the historical and artistic fabric of the city.

The tour winds through the most significant areas of the historic centre and some of the city’s main museums, guardians of extraordinary works by the Flemish master and his northern European contemporaries. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the connection between Van Dyck and the Genoese aristocracy, and to immerse yourself in the elegance, modernity, and cosmopolitan vision that made his style unmistakable.

The tour includes entry to Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Spinola—museum institutions as well as UNESCO Rolli Palaces—that host some of the artist’s most important works.

Participation in the tour grants free access for an independent visit to the exhibition “Van Dyck the European”, which can be visited immediately after the tour or at a later time, in any case by July 19 (the exhibition’s closing date), subject to the availability of the first entry time slot. To access the exhibition, simply present the dedicated voucher at the Palazzo Ducale ticket office; the voucher will be provided at the start of the tour.

During the visit to Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria, participants will be given an entrance ticket valid for access to Palazzo Reale, which can be visited independently within one year from the date of issue. In the Apartment of the Hereditary Princes, one of Van Dyck’s most significant works is preserved: the Portrait of Caterina Balbi Durazzo

The tour starts from the Tourist Information Centre in Via Garibaldi 12red

Tour Dates: Saturdays at 10:00 AM (from Saturday, March 21 to Saturday, July 18, 2026).
(Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.)

Duration: 2h30

The tour takes place in two languages (Italian and English) with a bilingual guide

N.B. N.B. On Saturday 25 April 2025, the visit to Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria scheduled as part of the tour will be replaced with a visit to Palazzo Nocolosio Lomellino in via Garibaldi 7

Prices: 

Full price € 24,00

Reduced (19-25 y.o.) € 19,00

Reduced (13-18 y.o.) € 17,00

Reduced (6-12 y.o.) € 5,00

Children 0-5 y.o.: free

Tickets can be purchased no later than 24 hours before the tour

Please, show up at the starting point at least 15 minutes before departure of the tour

 

The purchased items will not be refunded in any way. A refund is foreseen only in case the service is not provided for reasons directly attributable to Comune di Genova.

In the event of a ‘red’ or "orange" weather alert, following a Mayor's order, the tour is not guaranteed.