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PhrasesAt the MuseumDov'è la collezione permanente?
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Dov'è la collezione permanente?

Where is the permanent collection?

Pronunciation

doh-VEH la kohl-leh-TSYO-neh pehr-mah-NEN-teh.

When to use it

When you enter a museum that has both temporary and permanent exhibitions and you want to see the core collection. The permanent collection is the heart of any museum.

What it means

La collezione permanente is the permanent collection — the works that always remain on display at the museum. As opposed to la mostra temporanea (temporary exhibition), the permanent collection is what defines the museum.

Variations

C'è differenza di prezzo tra le mostre?

Is there a price difference between the exhibitions?

Clarify whether one ticket covers everything.

Quali opere fanno parte della collezione fissa?

Which works are part of the fixed collection?

More specific question about individual pieces.

Il museo ha anche un deposito visitabile?

Does the museum also have a viewable storage area?

Some museums now offer open storage experiences.

Mini Dialogue

— Dov'è la collezione permanente? — Al primo e secondo piano. La mostra temporanea è al piano terra. — Il biglietto copre tutto? — Sì, un unico biglietto per entrambe. — Perfetto. Da dove consiglia di cominciare? — Dal secondo piano, cronologicamente.

— Where is the permanent collection? — On the first and second floors. The temporary exhibition is on the ground floor. — Does the ticket cover everything? — Yes, one ticket for both. — Perfect. Where do you recommend starting? — From the second floor, chronologically.

Cultural Note

The distinction between permanent and temporary exhibitions matters more in Italy than in many countries because Italian permanent collections are among the richest in the world — a temporary show is a bonus, not the main event.