Museo dell'Opera del Duomo Orvieto: Collections and Visit Tips

MODO links the cathedral’s history with a set of collections and venues around Piazza Duomo. The cathedral works have maintained the collections for more than eight centuries, and the museum network follows the story of both the city and its principal church.

The main collection is displayed in the Palazzi Papali, adjacent to the cathedral. Other parts of the visit extend to Palazzo Soliano, the church of Sant’Agostino and the Cappella di San Brizio inside the cathedral. This makes the museum visit closely connected to the cathedral rather than a single gallery stop.

For a fuller look at the church itself, the Orvieto Cathedral visit guide covers what to see there. MODO’s route also includes the Cappella di San Brizio, so the cathedral and museum collections can be understood as parts of the same visit.

The collections range from historic works associated with the cathedral to modern sculpture and graphic art. In the Palazzi Papali, look for works by Coppo di Marcovaldo, Arnolfo di Cambio, Simone Martini, Luca Signorelli and Niccolò Circignani.

Palazzo Soliano houses the Emilio Greco collection, with sculptures and graphic works made between 1947 and 1991. At Sant’Agostino, the display includes Francesco Mochi’s Annunciation group, as well as Apostles and Saints made to models by artists including Giambologna and Ippolito Scalza.

The Cappella di San Brizio adds a major painted cycle to the route. Beato Angelico painted part of its Last Judgment frescoes in 1447–49, and Luca Signorelli completed part of the cycle in 1499–1504.

Another collection-focused stop in the cathedral area is the Museo Claudio Faina Orvieto, a separate museum to consider when planning your time around the Duomo.

The MODO visit route includes the cathedral’s Cappella di San Brizio, so you can pair the museum collections with time inside the Duomo. Start with the Palazzi Papali, where the principal collection is displayed, then continue to the other MODO venues and the chapel as your visit route allows.

Keep the cathedral’s service schedule in mind: tourist visits are not permitted during liturgical services. If you are planning a group visit, the Comune di Orvieto recommends making a reservation. The Orvieto one-day itinerary can help place the cathedral-area stops within a broader day in the city.

The Opera del Duomo’s regular visiting hours for the Cathedral, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Palazzi Papali and Museo Emilio Greco are:

• January–February: 09:30–17:00.
• March: 09:30–18:00.
• April–September: 09:30–19:00.
• October: 09:30–18:00.
• November–December: 09:30–17:00.

On Sundays and holy days, hours are 13:00–16:30 from November through February, and 13:00–17:30 from March through October. “Duomo e Musei MODO” admission is €5.00. For hours and ticket details, check the official site before you go.

The cathedral and museums provide access and routes for visitors with mobility requirements. For specific needs, contact the ticket office at +39 0763 342477 or biglietteria@duomodiorvieto.it.

Cathedral access can be temporarily changed or suspended for liturgical or operational reasons. Directions for reaching Orvieto by car or train, payment information and details about an official app with audio guides are also available.

What does MODO stand for?

MODO refers to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo di Orvieto, a museum network centered on the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Is the Cappella di San Brizio part of the visit?

Yes. The chapel is inside the cathedral and is included in the MODO visit route.

Does the listed admission cover every museum venue?

“Duomo e Musei MODO” admission is €5.00. Check the official site for ticket details.

Can visitors with mobility requirements access the museum?

The Cathedral and museums provide access and routes for visitors with mobility requirements. Contact the ticket office about specific needs.