Choosing Lake Garda as your holiday destination opens the door to a world of experiences. From art and history to wine, food, and time-honoured traditions, this enchanting region has something for everyone. Even its museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich heritage, covering a wide range of subjects. To help you make the most of your visit, we have curated a list of must-see museums:
- MAG - Museo Alto Garda
- Olive Oil Museum
- Wine Museum
- Museum in the Castle of Torri del Benaco
- Paper Museum
- Museum of Lake Garda
- Museum of Fishing and Lake Traditions
- Nicolis Museum
- Children's Museum Verona
Click on the museum that interests you most or keep reading to explore them all in detail.
MAG - Museo Alto Garda
MAG stands for Museo Alto Garda and offers a captivating journey through history, archaeology, and art, seamlessly connecting the past with the contemporary world. Its exhibitions are spread across three stunning locations: the Rocca castle in Riva del Garda, home to the Riva del Garda Museum, the Garda fortress on Mount Brione, and the iconic Torre Apponale.
The Riva del Garda Museum features three main exhibition areas. The art gallery displays works from the late Middle Ages to the 19th century, featuring renowned artists such as Pietro Ricchi, Vincenzo Vela, and Francesco Hayez. The archaeology section takes visitors on a journey through time, with artifacts spanning from the Middle Palaeolithic (120,000 - 33,000 B.C.) to the Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages (7th - 8th century A.D.). Finally, the history section delves into the past of Riva del Garda and the Basso Sarca valley, tracing their development from prehistoric times to World War II.
Built in the late Middle Ages, the Apponale Tower stands 34 meters tall and is just a short walk from the Rocca castle through the picturesque streets of the old town. Climbing its 165 steps rewards visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of Riva’s historic center and the shimmering waters of Lake Garda. Once a vital watchtower for surveillance and defense, it now safeguards a piece of history, the town hall bell, dating back to 1532.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
Museo Alto Garda
- From spring to autumn: open daily from 10:00 to 18:00
- Special Christmas openings (reduced ticket price: €4): 1, 6 to 8, 13 to 15, 20 to 24, 27 to 31 December, 2 to 6 January
The ticket price is €5. Reduced rates are available for young visitors, seniors aged 65 and over, groups, and families. Admission is free for children up to 15 years old, school groups, visitors with disabilities and their carers, tourist guides, law enforcement officers, journalists, and holders of the Crew Card or Trentino Guest Card.
Torre Apponale
- From 16 March to 31 May and from 1 October to 3 November: open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
- June & September: open daily from 10:00 to 18:00
- July & August: open Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00
The admission fee is €2.
Forte di Garda
- From 4 April to 25 May: open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00
- From 30 May to 12 October: open daily from 10:00 to 17:00
Entry is free.
For more information or the latest updates, visit the official website.
Olive Oil Museum
Lake Garda’s olive oil is renowned as one of Italy’s finest extra virgin varieties. For enthusiasts, the Oil Museum in Cisano di Bardolino, located at the Oleificio Cisano, offers an immersive experience. Established in the late 1980s by the Turri family, it was the first museum in Italy dedicated to olive oil and now welcomes over 50,000 visitors annually.
The museum provides a fascinating journey through the history of olive cultivation and its spread across the Mediterranean, tracing the evolution of oil production from ancient times to the present day. From the cultivation of olive trees to harvesting and pressing, it provides a comprehensive look at traditional and modern techniques. Among the most fascinating exhibits are a fully functioning 18th-century oil press powered by a water-driven wheel and an oak lever press, showcasing the craftsmanship of past centuries. To complete the experience, the museum features a shop where visitors can purchase a variety of typical products made at the oil factory, including extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, grappa, fine distillates, wine, and cosmetics enriched with natural extracts.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
- Monday to Saturday: open from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 18:00
- Sunday: open from 9:30 to 12:30
- Closed on 25, 26, 31 December and 1, 5, 6 January
Admission to the museum is free for individual visitors. Guided services for groups are available for a fee, and video guides are offered in multiple languages, including Italian, German, English, French, and Dutch. The museum has an on-site parking area with approximately 20 spaces, and 50% of the building is accessible to people with disabilities.
For more details, please visit the official website.
Wine Museum
In the Bardolino area, within the Fratelli Zeni winery, lies the Wine Museum, an exhibition that not only tells the story of the Zeni family but also explores the rich oenological heritage of the region. Founded in 1991, the museum originated from a private collection of artifacts carefully gathered by the Zeni family. The exhibition is organised into thematic sections, guiding visitors through the wine production process, from vine cultivation and grape harvesting to winemaking, barrel ageing, and bottling, all while celebrating the unique character of the surrounding landscape. Designed as a journey through history and tradition, the museum showcases vats, presses, scales, and farm carts once used in winemaking. These artifacts, now symbols of the industry's evolution, are brought to life through informative panels and multimedia displays, offering a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind Bardolino’s renowned wines.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
- From 4 November to March: open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30
Entrance is free for individual visitors and small groups up to 10 people. Larger groups are welcome by reservation and must book a guided tour, with the option to enjoy a customised experience including sensory routes and wine tastings. The site also offers an on-site parking area.
For more details, visit the official website.
Museum in the Castle of Torri del Benaco
Located on the lakefront, the Scaliger castle houses an ethnographic museum dedicated to the rich cultural heritage of Lake Garda, with a special focus on Torri del Benaco. Its collection showcases artifacts and tools linked to the region’s traditional activities, including olive cultivation, fishing, and the famous prehistoric rock engravings that define the area.
The museum’s setting is particularly captivating. The castle, originally an ancient Roman fortress, underwent modifications over the centuries before being abandoned in the 18th century. It wasn’t until 1980, thanks to the efforts of local citizens and the municipal administration, that the structure was restored. Just three years later, in 1983, the museum officially opened its doors. One of the most fascinating highlights is the limonaia, a beautifully preserved greenhouse filled with lemon, orange, and mandarin trees. Once the heart of lemon cultivation on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, it remains a stunning testament to the area’s agricultural history.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
- From 1 April to 15 June: open from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30
- From 16 June to 15 September: open from 9:30 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 19:30
- From 16 September to 31 October: open from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:00
- Closed on Mondays
Admission is €5, with reduced rates for groups, children up to 15 years old, and seniors over 60. Tickets for primary and secondary school students are €1. Leashed dogs are welcome.
For full details, visit the official website.
Paper Museum
The Paper Museum sits in the heart of the Paper Mill Valley (Valle delle Cartiere) in Toscolano Maderno, a historic hub of paper production from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Today, it stands as one of the most important sites of industrial archaeology in northern Italy.
Housed in the valley’s last active paper mill, which dates back to the 15th century and ceased operations in 1962, the museum offers a chronological journey through the history of paper and the Valle delle Cartiere. The exhibition traces the industry’s rise in the 16th century and its eventual decline, showcasing the traditional techniques of papermaking from linen, hemp, and cotton rags. Beyond preserving history, the museum serves as a research and cultural center dedicated to the paper-press industry. Its spaces are organized by themes and techniques, featuring interactive workshops, exhibition areas, and conference facilities, making it a dynamic place for learning and discovery.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
- Open everyday from 10:00 to 18:00
- Guided tours scheduled at 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00
The full-price ticket is €7, with discounted rates available for young visitors up to 18 years old, groups of at least 20 people, and seniors over 65. Admission is free for children up to 6 years old and visitors with disabilities. The entire museum route is fully accessible for those with mobility impairments.
Per further details, visit the official website.
Territorial Museum of Lake Garda
The Territorial Museum of Lake Garda (Museo Territoriale del Lago di Garda), opened in 2011 at the Palazzetto delle Esposizioni in Garda, is a gateway to the traditions, customs, and history of the Lake Garda region. Showcasing a rich collection of artifacts and everyday objects, the museum offers a glimpse into the lives of past generations, reflecting the spirit and identity of the local people.
The museum’s origins date back to 1966, when Professor Luigi Bertamè began collecting tools, utensils, and objects that had fallen out of use but held significant socio-cultural value. Over time, the collection grew thanks to private donations and discoveries made throughout the region. Today, the museum preserves a diverse array of items related to fishing, agriculture, handicrafts, and domestic life, offering a tangible connection to the traditions and livelihoods of Lake Garda’s past inhabitants. These artifacts not only tell the story of everyday life in the last century but also form an essential part of the area’s cultural heritage.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
April – May
- Open on Fridays from 15:00 to 18:30
- Open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 18:30
- Open on Sundays from 15:00 to 18:30
June – September
- Open on Fridays from 16:30 to 19:30
- Open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 16:30 to 19:30
- Open on Sundays from 16:30 to 19:30
October – March
- Open on Fridays from 14:30 to 17:30
- Open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 17:30
- Open on Sundays from 14:30 to 17:30
Admission is free, with optional donations welcomed. Parking is available nearby. For more information, please visit the official website.
The Museum of Fishing and Lake Traditions
The Museum of Fishing and Lake Traditions is housed in the evocative Bastione San Marco in Peschiera del Garda, within the beautiful Radetzky Room, a former 19th-century fireworks laboratory. The exhibition is built around the idea of preserving the memory of a past where fishing was a vital way of life. It celebrates the art of fishing, meticulously collecting and cataloging an extensive range of artifacts related to both professional and sport fishing, caulking, lake hunting, and other traditional practices. A wealth of postcards and historic photographs enhances the experience, offering a visual journey into Lake Garda’s cultural heritage.
Among the museum’s most remarkable exhibits is a collection of historic boats, including a rare anguillara, a 19th-century eel-fishing boat recovered by the Peschiera Sub Club. Other fascinating artifacts include a torbetta, used to keep fish alive, a spingarda, a specialised firearm for duck hunting, and a iole, a boat famously used by a group of locals in the 1920s and 1930s for an ambitious journey from Lake Garda to the Palio del Doge in Venice, navigating through the Mincio and Po rivers.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
- Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 18:30 (in July and August: 18:00 - 22:00)
Admission is free. Audio guides are available for rent at the entrance. For more information, feel free to contact info@amicidelgondolin.it.
Museo Nicolis
Not far from the shores of Lake Garda, in Villafranca di Verona, lies the Nicolis Museum, one of the world’s most prestigious private museums dedicated to the history of the automobile, technology, and 20th-century design. Since its inauguration in 2000, it has stood as more than just a museum – it's a museum-enterprise, a dynamic space that fosters knowledge, innovation, and cultural growth.
The exhibition spans 10 main collections, showcasing an extraordinary array of classic cars, bicycles, motorbikes, cameras, musical instruments, typewriters, small aircraft, Formula 1 racing cars, and countless other rare and unpublished artifacts, a testament to the evolution of human ingenuity. Beyond its permanent exhibitions, the museum features dedicated spaces for temporary displays, events, and educational activities. Visitors can also explore a historical archive, a specialised bookshop focused on the world of motors, a vintage store, and conference areas, making the Nicolis Museum a truly immersive experience at the crossroads of history, technology, and innovation.
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
- Open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
The full-price ticket is €14, while reduced admission is available for €12. Discounts are offered for children, school groups, and larger groups. Special openings are scheduled during holidays and festive occasions.
For more information, please visit the official website.
Children's Museum Verona
Located in Verona's industrial district, the Children's Museum is a hands-on learning space designed for children aged 0 to 12, centered around STEAM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Unlike traditional museums, it offers an interactive, sensory-driven experience, where young visitors can explore scientific concepts, spark creativity, and engage with the world around them through play, discovery, and emotion.
The museum is divided into thematic areas, each dedicated to a specific topic, including water, light, mechanics, sound, logic, and the human body. Through direct sensory experiences, children can freely explore mechanical and digital installations at their own pace. From building things in the Imagination Playground to stepping into the role of a farmer and milking a life-sized cow, every exhibit encourages learning through play. Even the bathrooms are designed at a child's scale, embracing the Montessori philosophy of "help them do it themselves."
Opening hours & Ticket prices 2025
September – May
- Scheduled entry times from Tuesday to Friday: 14:30 and 16:45
- Scheduled entry times on Sundays and Saturdays: 9:00, 11:15, 13:30, 15:45, and 18:00
June – July
- Scheduled entry times from Tuesday to Friday: 14:30 and 16:45
- Scheduled entry times on Sundays and Saturdays: 10:00, 12:15, 15:00, and 17:15
August
- Scheduled entry times from Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00, 12:15, 15:00, and 17:15
Special opening hours are usually planned for the Christmas period. Visits last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Ticket prices are €9 for adults, €6 for children aged 1 to 3 years, and €9 for children aged 3 and older, while children under 1 year can enter for free. Discounts are available for schools and groups.
For more information, just visit the official website.
