Museo di Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi: A Visitor’s Guide

The Porziuncola Museum is housed inside the basilica, so the collection and church form one visit in the same place. The museum began in the 1920s, when friars gathered artworks that had been kept in different parts of the basilica. Its exhibition route was arranged chronologically for the 2000 Jubilee.

The basilica’s daily opening hours are 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:30–7:00 p.m. Entry for Mass is permitted from 6:30 a.m. The basilica also has a separate Mass schedule: weekday services are at 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 11:00 and 18:00, with a different schedule on Sundays and holidays.

The museum explores the history and spirituality of the Porziuncola and the Franciscan community. Its themes include the site before the Franciscan period, the origins of Franciscan spirituality, Franciscan Observance, Marian devotion, the basilica and its reconstruction, and the Ancient Convent.

Among the notable works are a Crucifix by Giunta Pisano, dated to about 1236, and a polychrome stone Madonna del Latte from the late 14th century. The collection also includes sacred vestments and an Andrea della Robbia glazed terracotta altar frontal made around 1475.

The visit extends to the medieval Conventino, where remains of the friars’ cells can be seen. Seventeen cells are named for saints and blesseds who stayed at the Porziuncola.

The museum’s regular hours are 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:30–5:00 p.m.; it is closed on Wednesdays, and entry is allowed until 15 minutes before closing. Full admission is €4.

Reduced admission is €3 for visitors aged 11–18, university students, people over 65 and groups of more than 15; the €2.50 reduced rate applies to school groups. Admission is free for children up to age 10, religious personnel, group leaders and companions of visitors with disabilities.

The museum is described as accessible. Guided tours are available by reservation in Italian. Facilities include restrooms, an information point and a shop; there is no audio guide, cloakroom or refreshment point. Before you go: hours, prices and access arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.

Because the museum is inside the basilica, you can pair the collection with time in the church without travelling between separate sites. Check the basilica’s opening hours alongside the museum schedule, especially if you’re planning around a Mass. The museum’s last entry is 15 minutes before closing, so allow for that when arranging your visit.

Assisi Garden, a hotel in Assisi, is about a 5-minute drive from Assisi railway station.