Genoa Palazzo Ducale: Entrance ticket for the Moby Dick – The Whale exhibition.

Discover the Moby Dick Exhibition at Genoa’s Palazzo Ducale

The Genoa Palazzo Ducale hosts an engaging art exhibition dedicated to Herman Melville’s classic novel, Moby Dick. For €12 per ticket and a duration of 1 day, visitors are invited to explore a comprehensive display blending ancient and contemporary art, all centered around the myth of the White Whale. The exhibition benefits from a high provider rating of 4.5, reflecting its well-curated content and engaging presentation.

This ticket includes access to a group exhibition that showcases large video installations, sculptures, harpoons, canvases, photographs, and engravings. It also offers a fascinating journey through the symbolic meanings of Moby Dick, from medieval times to contemporary art, with elements of maritime history and biology woven into the experience. The Doge’s Apartment and Chapel are also part of the route, offering a glimpse into Genoa’s historic surroundings.

This tour suits art enthusiasts, literature fans, maritime history lovers, and those curious about the broader cultural interpretations of Melville’s work. The accessible format, including wheelchair access and flexible cancellation policies, makes it a practical choice for a day of cultural discovery in Genoa.

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Key Points

• Major exhibition themed around Moby Dick at Palazzo Ducale, blending art, cinema, music, and science.
• Tickets cost €12, with full-day access and easy entry by voucher at the ticket office.
• Highlights include large video works, sculptures, harpoons, and Japanese prints depicting whale hunting.
• The exhibition explores themes such as man vs. nature, good vs. evil, travel, and discovery.
• It features contributions from renowned museums and institutions like the Museum of Civilizations of Rome and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto.
• The setting in the Doge’s Palace and nearby Doge’s Chapel adds historic ambiance to the experience.

Location and Entrance Procedure at Palazzo Ducale

The exhibition is located at the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, in the heart of Liguria, Italy. Upon arrival, visitors need to visit the ticket office to exchange their voucher for an admission ticket. The precise coordinates are 44.40751647949219, 8.933250427246094. The entrance process is straightforward, with assistance available for those with wheelchair needs.

The venue’s central location makes it easy to access from different parts of Genoa. The Palazzo Ducale itself is a historic site, with its Doge’s Apartment and Chapel forming part of the exhibition space, offering a rich blend of art and history.

What the Exhibition Showcases: Art and Cultural Interpretations

The core of the Moby Dick exhibition is a diverse collection of artworks that interpret the myth of the White Whale through various artistic media. Visitors will find a wide array of visual art including large video installations that hypnotically depict ocean scenes, sculptures and harpoons that evoke the whaling era, and Japanese prints illustrating whale hunting.

The collection also features engravings, photographs, and canvases that explore themes of revenge, obsession, and exploration. The presentation visually links literature with real-world maritime history, emphasizing the connection between the myth and Genoa’s historic maritime influence.

Beyond visual art, the exhibition incorporates music, cinema, and science, such as audio recordings of whale songs and biological insights into whales. This multifaceted approach offers a comprehensive understanding of Moby Dick’s cultural and symbolic significance.

Contemporary Artists and Their Contributions

A notable feature of this exhibition is the inclusion of works by contemporary artists who interpret the White Whale symbolically or aesthetically. Artists like Mario Airò, John Akomfrah, Tacita Dean, and Joan Jonas contribute video works, installations, and sculptures that challenge traditional views of the myth.

Plus, the exhibition displays works by modern artists such as Piero Manzoni, Emilio Isgrò, and Fausto Melotti, providing a dialogue between past and present. Their pieces push the boundaries of the myth, making it relevant for contemporary audiences.

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Maritime History and Genoa’s Connection to the Whale Myth

The exhibition cleverly intertwines Genoa’s maritime history with the story of Moby Dick. It highlights Genoa’s historical maritime importance and its proximity to the International Cetacean Sanctuary of the Ligurian Sea. This connection enriches the experience, showing how whales and the sea have been a part of Genoa’s cultural identity for centuries.

Visitors will see boats, ornaments with whale teeth, and images that evoke the ocean, creating a visual and thematic link between the myth of the White Whale and Genoa’s seafaring legacy.

The Role of the Doge’s Palace and the Chapel in the Exhibition

The setting of the exhibition in the historic Doge’s Apartment and Chapel adds a unique historic backdrop. The Doge’s Chapel, located on the way through the exhibition route, provides a sacred and contemplative space, contrasting the intense themes of the artworks.

This ancient environment, combined with modern multimedia installations, enhances the dialogue between history and contemporary interpretation. It allows visitors to experience the myth of Moby Dick within a place that echoes Genoa’s long-standing maritime and cultural traditions.

Logistics: Group Size, Accessibility, and Visit Flexibility

The Palazzo Ducale offers group visits with a self-guided experience, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The exhibition is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the booking process is flexible. Visitors can reserve their spot and pay later, fitting the visit into various travel plans easily.

Comparing with Other Genoa Cultural Attractions

While this exhibition focuses on literature, art, and maritime themes related to Moby Dick, Genoa offers other attractions like the Genoa Aquarium, maritime museums, and medieval sites. The Palazzo Ducale’s exhibition stands out for its artistic and interpretive depth, especially in how it connects classic literature with contemporary art.

It offers a more intellectually engaging experience compared to more traditional museums, appealing to those interested in cultural dialogues and thematic explorations.

Final Thoughts on the Moby Dick Exhibition at Palazzo Ducale

The Genoa Palazzo Ducale’s Moby Dick exhibition provides a thought-provoking journey through art, history, and literature centered around the White Whale myth. Its diverse collection of artworks and historical context make it a valuable cultural outing for art lovers, literature fans, and maritime history enthusiasts.

The venue’s historic ambiance, combined with modern multimedia works, creates a unique environment that encourages reflection on themes like obsession, nature, and exploration. The ticket price of €12 offers affordable access to a comprehensive exhibition, with the flexibility of a full-day visit.

However, visitors should plan sufficient time to appreciate the variety of artworks and thematic displays. The accessible location and easy entry process make this a convenient choice for a cultural highlight during a Genoa trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the ticket cost?
The ticket costs €12 and grants full-day access to the entire exhibition.

Where is the exhibition located?
It is held at the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, with the entrance at coordinates 44.40751647949219, 8.933250427246094.

How do I get my admission ticket?
Visitors exchange their voucher at the ticket office upon arrival for an admission ticket.

Is the exhibition suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the Palazzo Ducale and the exhibition are wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What themes does the exhibition cover?
It explores the myth of Moby Dick, including themes of man vs. nature, revenge, travel, discovery, as well as maritime history.

What kinds of artworks are displayed?
Expect video installations, sculptures, harpoons, engravings, photographs, and prints—all reflecting different aspects of the whale myth.

Are there contributions from other museums?
Yes, prominent institutions like the Museum of Civilizations of Rome and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto contribute pieces.

How long should I allocate for the visit?
Since the experience lasts a full day, planning at least 2-3 hours allows for a thorough appreciation of the exhibits.

Is there a guide or audio guide available?
The exhibition is designed for self-guided exploration, with some content shown in its original language.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby