by InTrieste
During the 2026 Carnival season, the City of Trieste, in collaboration with CoopCulture, is offering a series of museum activities designed for children and families. The program aims to introduce younger audiences to the city’s historical, artistic, and scientific collections through interactive experiences that combine learning with play.
Scheduled across February, the initiative transforms several of Trieste’s civic museums into spaces for hands-on discovery. Activities range from themed treasure hunts and creative workshops to extended morning programs in scientific museums inspired by nature, survival strategies, and human expression. The goal, organizers say, is to encourage curiosity and participation while making museum visits accessible and engaging for children.
The program opens on Sunday, February 8, at the Museo del Mare, with Alla ricerca del tesoro dei pirati, a guided treasure hunt that invites children to explore the museum’s galleries while solving clues and working collaboratively. The activity costs €8 per child.
On Sunday, February 15, the Museo Teatrale Carlo Schmidl hosts La valigia delle storie, a Carnival-themed visit focused on puppetry and marionettes. Children take part in a creative workshop, designing characters and building a personal “story suitcase.” The cost is €8 per child, excluding museum admission.
Two full-morning programs, part of the “Mattinate al Museo” series, are scheduled during the week preceding Carnival. On Monday, February 16, the Museo di Storia Naturale presents Carnevale prima del Carnevale, a workshop exploring prehistoric art, body decoration, and early forms of visual storytelling through natural pigments and symbols. The session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and costs €25 per child, excluding museum admission.
The following day, Tuesday, February 17, the Museo del Mare offers Per il corpo di mille balene!, a pirate-themed immersion into maritime history. Through role-playing and guided activities, participants learn about historical sea raiders, trade routes, and maritime codes of conduct. The cost is €25 per child.
Advance booking is required for all activities. Further information and reservations are available through CoopCulture (tel. +39 040 9892032, weekdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; email: museicivici.trieste@coopculture.it).
