Fondazione Accademia Musicale Chigiana

Founded in 1932 by Count Guido Chigi Saracini, the Accademia Musicale Chigiana is a world-renowned institution of advanced musical education. In its historic home of Palazzo Chigi Saracini in Siena, with over one hundred rooms and an extraordinary art collection, the Chigiana has shaped the musical lives of hundreds of talented young musicians from all over the world. Famous former pupils include Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Claudio Abbado, Esa Pekka-Salonen, Maurizio Pollini, and Salvatore Accardo.

The world's greatest musicians have performed in the Chigiana’s splendid Salone dei Concerti (concert hall) as part of its ‘Micat In Vertice’ concert season, which began in 1923, and its Summer Festival.

Built by the Ghibelline Marescotti family in the 13^th century, the original structure consisted of a tower through the windows of which the Sienese rulers learnt of the historic victory at the Battle of Montaperti. In the 16^th century, the Palazzo was purchased and extended by the Piccolomini family. In 1770, it became the property of the Saracini family and remained in their possession until 1877, when it was inherited by the Chigi family.

Count Guido Chigi Saracini, the last owner, decided to dedicate the building to music and the arts. When he died in 1965, the building became the property of the Fondazione Accademia Musicale Chigiana. 

Palazzo Chigi Saracini houses splendid artistic collections that adorn its rooms and contribute to the prestige of the Accademia Musicale. It is open to the public for guided tours throughout the year.

Its rooms contain not only a rich collection of musical instruments and original scores, but also a wealth of paintings, sculptures, and furniture along with extraordinary pieces of silver, ivory, and porcelain—treasures that make the Academy 'the most beautiful in the world'.

The works of art were collected from the end of the 18^th century onwards. The eclectic collection includes works from all the great epochs of Italian art, from the Middle Ages to Modernism, and most notably from artists of the Sienese school, such as Giovanni d'Agostino, Francesco di Giorgio Martini, Sassetta, and Beccafumi.

The Academy's fine collection of around 90 historical musical instruments includes 30 violins, violas, and cellos, and a double bass, dating from the 17^th and 18^th centuries and made by famous luthiers such as Stradivari, Amati, Gagliano, Guarneri, Camilli, and Bisiach.  Particularly valuable is the 'Chigiano' cello made by Antonio Stradivari in 1682. There are also a large number of keyboards, lutes, guitars, mandolins, psalteries, wind instruments, ethnic instruments, a harpsichord from 1516, and Franz Listz's piano, made especially for him by Bechstein in 1860.

The ChigianArtCafé is the gateway to the world of the Chigiana. Entrance is free. The rooms on the ground floor of the Palazzo Chigi Saracini house a series of multimedia installations, a gallery of images with works of art from the Chigi Saracini Collection, and an on demand virtual digital theatre in HD, which allows visitors the amazing opportunity to relive some of the greatest concerts in the history of the Chigiana. It is truly a unique place to enjoy art and beauty, together with excellent Tuscan food and wine.

Salone dei Concerti

The Concert Hall can accommodate up to 160 people in the stalls. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, that number has been reduced to approximately 60. The Salone dei Concerti will not be available until mid-October 2021 for restoration work and institutional activities.

Aula Casella

Casella Hall can accommodate up to 50 people (no Covid-19 restrictions); that number is currently around 16 (with Covid-19 restrictions).

Aula Verdi

Verdi Hall can accommodate up to 50 people (no Covid-19 restrictions); that number is currently around 16 (with Covid-19 restrictions).

Why choose us?

• Location with a powerful and vibrant appeal.
• Unique and authentic environment where exclusive events are organised, combining culture, music, history, and talent.