"16th-century art gallery with gorgeous gardens Nestled among the stunning palaces of the UNESCO World Heritage Palazzi Dei Rolli, Palazzo Bianco was built in the late 16th century by the Grimaldi family, one of the 28 'albergi' families that ruled Genoa for centuries. Today, the gorgeous building houses an art museum focusing primarily on Flemish and Italian artists, with a strong emphasis on Genovese artists themselves. But do not miss the opportunity to stroll out into the gardens. They are magnificent anytime of year, but especially beautiful in early spring."

"Museum of Cultures of the World Built on the foundations of a 16th century fortification, the Museo delle Culture del Mondo is housed in the 19th century Castello D'Albertis - the private home of the global traveler and collector of antiquities. Veer off the standard art/church museum trail, and up the massive staircase to the Castello, to see a beautifully preserved piece of Genovese history (and some super fascinating collections of global interest). While the walk is quite the hike, the view from the top floor library of the museum is stunning."

"Stunning collection of Japanese masks Completely different from any other museum in Genova, the Museo D'Arte Orientale showcases pieces from the private collection of Edward Chiossone - a Genovese engraver and portrait artist employed by the Japanese government in the late 1800's. Today, the collection features many large Buddha statues, and a impressive number of handcrafted Japanese war and theater masks. Situated in the public park of Villette Di Negro, the museum also features sweeping views of the cityscape."

"Contemporary Art in Villa Croce As most of the museums in Genoa focus on art of the Middle Ages and/or Renaissance, it is nice every now and then to find options that feel slightly more 'modern'. Head to the Villa Croce (just a 15 minute walk from the old town) for the interesting juxtaposition of contemporary art installations in a very historical building. If you come on a Sunday, the visit is free - and you can also see all the dogs of Genoa enjoying a morning outing in the park that surrounds the Villa. Don't miss the upstairs gallery space - the exhibit by Jackie Saccoccio is breathtaking."

"Italian and Flemish Renaissance Paintings Built in the mid-1670's, Palazzo Rosso was the private home of the Brignole Sale family until 1874, when Maria (disenchanted with her only remaining son) donated it to the City of Genoa on her deathbed. Although devastatingly damaged during the second World War, it has been lovingly restored, and now houses a large collection of Italian and Flemish renaissance paintings, alongside beautiful stucco and fresco work."

"Palazzo Ducale Set in front of the beautiful fountain in Piazza Ferrari, the first pieces of the Palazzo Ducale were built in the mid 1250's. Buried deep under the original flooring, massive receptacles still remain that originally stored water, oil, and hay - for it is said that the often 'unfavored' Doge could live for two full years locked deeply inside if under attack. With additions and modifications after an unfortunate fire, the building was fully restored in 1992 (for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus). Today, its frescoed public spaces house countless community events, and the second floor acts as home to a vast museum with a rotating schedule of exhibits - this spring, do not miss the haunting paintings of Edward Munch."

"The Incredible Machines of Leonardo DaVinci exhibit Through the end of June, the Museo di Sant'Agostino hosts a fascinating exhibit on the Machines of Leonardo DaVinci - including his bicycle, the air screw, and a massive interpretation of one of his earliest gliders. Housing in a converted monastery, the building itself is also a lovely space to visit the 16th and 17th century paintings and sculptures on permanent display."

"National Gallery in beautifully restored palace Tucked deep in the heart of the ancient city, this is an easy Palazzo to miss—but don't miss it. My favorite of the Genovese museums, five floors of this massive palace are dedicated to the history and splendor of Genoa—the first three being the restored palace of the Spinola family, and the top two serving as the National Gallery. Explore beautiful frescoes, ceramics from the 1700s, actual clothing from the 15th century, and a massive original Rubens, among the many other varied treasures."

"See the 'original' blue jeans! Step inside the Museo Diocesano and be taken back to the Romanesque abbey of the monks of San Lorenzo Cathedral, originally built in the early 600s. Inside her recently renovated walls, explore many of the glories of the Catholic Church of Genoa . Paintings, relics, and an illuminated Bible make up most of the exhibits. But there is another room that pays homage to the sacred use of the original blue jeans. (Yes, Genoa claims originator status on them. They were dying their canvas-like fabric a deep Genova Blue centuries ago for the laborers on the city's docks. As for the name "jeans"? Well, in French, Genoa is Genes, a close derivative of the "jeans" we call them to this day...). For the price of your 6-euro ticket, you also get access to the crypt of San Lorenzo, where they house their silver and gold treasures. Definitely worth a look!"