Palazzo Blu is a museum and exhibition space on the south bank of the Arno in Pisa, easily recognised by its blue-grey facade among the warmer colours of the Lungarno Gambacorti. With medieval origins and interiors shaped by later centuries, the palace offers a look at the city beyond the Leaning Tower.
The permanent collection brings together Pisan art and historical objects, while furnished period rooms give a sense of how the city's wealthy residents lived. Temporary exhibitions add another dimension, often focusing on major figures in modern and contemporary art. The restored rooms are worth noticing in their own right, making the museum as much a visit to a historic palace as a trip to a gallery.
Allow around two hours for a visit, then take a walk along the riverfront for views across the Arno. Palazzo Blu is within walking distance of both Pisa Centrale station and the Leaning Tower. Check the museum's official website before visiting, as opening hours and ticket arrangements can change with exhibitions; riverside access may also be slower during June's Luminara di San Ranieri and Gioco del Ponte festivities.