From the Dark Wood to the Light. Itinerarie
From December 2026 to April 2027
Tuesday to Friday: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
On the occasion of the 2026 edition of Natale ad Arte (Christmas in Art) and running alongside the exhibition "Dalla Selva alla Luce" (From the Dark Wood to the Light) at XNL (Dec '26–Apr '27), the Kronos Museum of Piacenza Cathedral presents a completely renewed display of its manuscript section. Curated by Tiziano Fermi, head of the Cathedral’s Chapter Archive and Library, the exhibition itinerary explores several thematic angles. In the museum’s manuscript room, visitors can admire Cathedral codices dating back to the time of Dante Alighieri and the Codice Landiano, as well as a selection of texts and illuminations linked to the citywide exhibition—focusing particularly on precious miniatures portraying the dark wood, the journey, and the light.
The Citywide Advent Calendar
From November 29 to December 23, 2026
Tuesday to Friday: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Something mysterious is about to happen in the halls of the Kronos Museum this Christmas... An enigma is hidden among the artworks, and only the sharpest little explorers can help us solve it! As we await December 25th, the museum turns into a giant, three-dimensional Advent Calendar: 24 large numbered windows hidden among paintings, sculptures, and historical parchments are waiting to be uncovered. But beware—the windows are not in order! Armed with a special Treasure Map, children will follow the daily clues, observe hidden details in the artworks, and collect pieces of a mysterious story. A fun-filled journey combining play, art, and deduction to experience the Christmas countdown like true history detectives. The clue hunt awaits!
Lighting Up Solidarity
December 6, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Christmas in Piacenza lights up with beauty and solidarity. To mark the opening of the Natale ad Arte season, the Kronos Museum and the Cathedral invite you to kick off the holidays with a heartwarming gesture. On the afternoon of Sunday, December 6, the Cathedral parvis will host a special solidarity market—a unique chance to choose ethical, handmade, and meaningful gifts whose proceeds will support charitable projects. A small gesture, a grand display of light: with every purchase made at the market, you will receive a special candle as a gift to light together on the church forecourt, creating an inspiring collective trail of light. You will also receive a discounted ticket to climb Guercino’s majestic Dome. Light your candle, support solidarity, and rediscover the Cathedral's masterpieces from a breathtaking perspective!
Saint Lucy Under the Stars
December 12, 2026 | 3:30 PM
On Saint Lucy’s Eve, the Kronos Museum turns into an enchanted space where art, play, and tradition come together. Children and families will be welcomed into a special room of the museum—the "Starry Sky"—where a projector will fill the walls with a magical night sky. Saint Lucy has left behind a few mysterious parchments with a very important task: after a long night’s journey, her little donkey needs to be fed! Thus begins a little adventure through the museum: following clues left by Saint Lucy and carefully observing the artworks and artifacts, children and parents will search for everything needed to prepare a special meal for her faithful donkey. Once the mission is complete, everyone will gather back under the Starry Sky for a sweet reward: a snack with traditional Saint Lucy’s treats to enjoy together in a warm, festive atmosphere. A playful, participatory museum experience to share the magic of waiting, searching, and discovering with your children.
Little Emotional Handbook: The Emotions of a Museum
December 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM
What emotions can arise from a visit to the Cathedral and its Museum? We explored this through the ArtCare Project alongside artists from the Fuoriserie Association. Participants expressed what the museum spaces evoked in them, resulting in a small "emotional guide" that will be presented during this event alongside the project itself. At Fuoriluogo Arte, we will discover the process behind the creation of the "Piccolo libretto emotivo" (Little Emotional Handbook), a reflective guide that will be available to museum visitors. Afterward, a guided tour will lead us through the Cathedral and Kronos Museum spaces that inspired the booklet, sharing impressions and emotions together.
Stardust
December 20, 2026 | 3:30 PM
Set off to discover representations of the Christmas Star within the artworks of the museum and Cathedral. Together, we will reveal its meaning, guided by nursery rhymes telling its magical story. Afterwards, we will build our very own star to take home as a final decoration for a Christmas filled with light.
Evening of Lights and Spices: Boxing Day at the Dome
December 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM
When the lights of the Cathedral dim, magic takes shape. On Boxing Day afternoon, the Kronos Museum invites you to an intimate, atmospheric experience: a special guided tour of Guercino’s Dome lit by the delicate glow of lanterns. Along the climb, through secret passages and high above the Cathedral, 17th-century masterpieces will reveal themselves in a new light, offering a unique and breathtaking view over festive Piacenza. Once back on the ground, the sensory journey continues in true Christmas tradition: participants can enjoy a warm, cozy tasting of mulled wine and spiced herbal teas to toast together in holiday warmth.
Literary Meeting with the Archivist
January 2, 2027 | 5:00 PM
What secrets lie hidden across the centuries between the illuminated lines and archive pages of Piacenza Cathedral? In this special event part of the Natale ad Arte program, the Kronos Museum invites you on an exclusive journey behind the scenes of history. Guided by the passion and expertise of archivist Dr. Tiziano Fermi, you will have the unique opportunity to discover up close one of the precious manuscripts preserved in the Chapter Archive. An unmissable chance to leaf through the memory of the past, uncover forgotten anecdotes, and be enchanted by the timeless allure of an original manuscript that has survived the centuries.
In the Footsteps of the Magi
From January 3 to January 6, 2027
Tuesday to Friday: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
They arrived from afar with special gifts for the Infant Jesus, and today their journey in search of a sign of hope continues to inspire. Through fun little challenges, children and adults can set off on a quest between the Cathedral and its museum to spot the depictions featuring the Three Wise Men. Are you ready to begin the journey?
