Museo di Arte Orientale

While you probably came to Italy dead set on seeing your favorite Botticelli, Raphael, or Caravaggio, you might want to set aside time for some non-Italian art and stop in at the MAO, Turin's newest museum, which opened in December 2008. With the opening of the MAO, Turin has quietly positioned itself as the premier place in the country to see Iranian porcelain, Chinese bronze art from 4,000 years ago, and Indian terracotta. The MAO has works from across Asia, including separate collections dedicated to southeast Asia, China, India, Japan, the Himalayas, and Gandahara (an ancient kingdom located in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan). There is also an Islamic art gallery. The 1,500 pieces spread across the various galleries of the museum's 18th century Palazzo Mazzonis can be a bit much to take in on one visit, so you'd do well to choose a few areas to concentrate on.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.