This Halloween, trick-or-treat will be an experience! Forget for a night the classic round: Halloween 2026 is celebrated also in Italian museums, among ghosts hidden in historic palaces, ancient rituals, mysterious treasure hunts and spine-tingling laboratories. Saturday, October 31, and in some cases already in the days beforehand, numerous cultural institutions open their doors to an audience of both young and old curious visitors, transforming the visit into an extraordinary experience.
An opportunity to discover the country’s artistic and scientific heritage through original activities, perfect also for planning a family day trip. Here are eight must-attend appointments for Halloween 2026 in Italian museums.
Monza’s Civic Museums, a museum to fear
At the Casa degli Umiliati in Monza, Halloween becomes an adventure among artworks and mysterious objects. The workshop What a Scary Museum! invites children aged 3 to 11, accompanied by adults, to tackle enigmas and playful pranks hidden in the collections. The sessions are scheduled for October 30 at 17:30 and October 31 at 10:30 and 15:30. Participation costs 4 euros per person, with mandatory reservation.
National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, ghosts and virtual reality
In Milan, the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci celebrates Halloween with a program full of experiences for the whole family. In the weekend of October 31 and November 1, visitors will be able to tackle spooky labyrinths, magical inks, mysterious chemical reactions, and labs dedicated to imaginary creatures.
Guided tours will not be missing among strange inventions and spine-tingling stories, while Ghostbusters enthusiasts can wear a virtual reality headset and transform into ghost catchers. For children aged 3 to 6, the Playlab Atelier offers The Sky in the Room, a creative activity among shadows, monsters and flying witches.
The Royal Museums of Turin, the origins of Halloween
For those who wish to know the true roots of the celebration, the Royal Museums of Turin propose Samonios – The True History of Halloween. On October 31, from 19:45 to 23:30, the Museum of Antiquities and the Royal Gardens will host historical reenactments, stories and demonstrations dedicated to Celtic traditions. The evening will culminate with a striking fire ritual. Full-price ticket at 8 euros, free entry for those up to 11 years old.
Palazzo Grimani in Venice, a haunted-museum escape
And what if the ghost of an old owner prevented visitors from leaving the palace? This is the idea behind Escape Palace, the activity organized on October 31 at 18:00 at the Palazzo Grimani Museum, in Venice. Families will have to overcome the tests devised by the tormented spirit of Giovanni Grimani, seeking together the way out. Halloween costumes welcome and reservation mandatory. The activity is free for children.
MUSE in Trento, Halloween between science and mystery
At the MUSE in Trento, science also shows its most mysterious side. On Saturday, October 31, from 14:00 to 19:00, the museum and the Palazzo delle Albere will host workshops, storytelling, games and performances designed for the whole family. A program that turns fear into curiosity, inviting adults and children alike to explore the scientific world through engaging experiences. The activities are included in the admission ticket.
Palazzo Milzetti in Faenza, treasure hunt of the Fifth Arcana
In Faenza, the elegant neoclassical rooms of Palazzo Milzetti become the setting for a mysterious treasure hunt. On Saturday, October 31, at 20:45, The Fifth Arcana will involve families, youths and adults in a journey through enigmas and clues. For the occasion, the museum will be exceptionally open from 19:00 to 23:00. The activity is included in the admission ticket and booking is recommended.
Stibbert Museum in Florence, between knights and ghosts
Armor, knights and eerie presences animate Knights in the Night, the Halloween event at the Stibbert Museum. On October 31, from 18:30 to 22:00, visitors will walk through the historic rooms amid mysterious encounters and surprises, taking part in an unusual version of trick-or-treat. The Garden Stibbert will stay open until 23:00. Presale mandatory, tickets from 6 to 14 euros.
Explora in Rome, Halloween tailored for children
In the capital, Explora, the Children’s Museum, is preparing to welcome ghosts, bats and pumpkins. On October 31 and November 1, children aged 3 to 11 will be able to participate in two special workshops dedicated to creativity and discovery. Activities will take place during the 10:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00 slots and are included in the museum’s ticket.
