Museo Giuliano Ghelli

The Museo Giuliano Ghelli in San Casciano in Val di Pesa combines sacred art, archaeology and contemporary work. The church of Santa Maria del Gesù and adjoining former convent rooms provide its historic setting.

Why it matters

The collection brings together works from the area's religious institutions with archaeological material from the surrounding territory. Its later association with Giuliano Ghelli extends that account into contemporary art.

What to notice

Coppo di Marcovaldo's Saint Michael and Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Madonna of 1319 are major paintings. A carved pilaster attributed to the Master of Cabestany adds medieval sculpture. The archaeological holdings include the Stele dell'Arciere and the inscribed stele of Mamarkes, alongside material connected with local settlements and burials.

Context and history

The museum was established in 1989 and enlarged into former convent rooms in 2008. It took Giuliano Ghelli's name in 2015, recognising the artist's connection with San Casciano. A later acquisition programme supported the development of a contemporary section. These additions joined a collection rooted in the artistic and archaeological history of the territory.