Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna, Bologna

The Pepoli Palace, with its austere medieval facade, conceals a newly renovated interior that now houses the Museum of the History of Bologna. Originally constructed in the mid-14th century as the residence of the Pepoli family, rulers of Bologna, the grand palace was not completed until 1723. Its interior underwent a complete transformation in 2012 to become an innovative, interactive institution dedicated to Bologna's historical and cultural legacy.

The museum offers a comprehensive tour spanning 2,500 years of the city's history, with a focal point being the futuristic Tower of Time ("Torre del Tempo"), constructed of steel and glass, which ascends from the courtyard. Through the use of 3D films, mock-ups depicting Etruscan and Roman roads, photographs, and multimedia installations, visitors can trace the evolution of the city from the time of the Etruscans to the present day.

The vibrant, contemporary displays tend to appeal more to school groups and students than to traditional tourists, and most of the signage and videos are in Italian, though information sheets in English are available in most rooms.