The Galleria Estense of Modena was inaugurated in 1854 by Francesco V of Austria-Este in the Ducal Palace. 

The Galleria is located in the Palazzo dei Musei since 1894 and consists of four halls and sixteen rooms dedicated to the rich collection of the Este family. 

The Galleria Estense, thanks to its collection, showcases the multifaceted and aristocratic taste of the family, expressed through a significant number of paintings spanning from the 14th to the 18th century, among which the Emilian painters stand out. In addition to sculptures in marble, terracotta, and bronze, there is a rich collection of decorative arts including majolica, medals, ivories, and musical instruments.

Among the masterpieces of the Galleria Estense are the Pieta by Cima da Conegliano, the Madonna and Child by Correggio, the Portrait of Francesco I d'Este by Velazquez, the portable altarpiece by El Greco, the Crucifixion by Reni, and finally the marble bust of Francesco I d'Este sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.