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WHAT TO DO IN SIENA WITH KIDS: SANTA MARIA DELLA SCALA MUSEUM AT CHRISTMAS

Opening times have been reduced as much as the number of museum rooms that can be visited this winter at the Santa Maria della Scala museum. Nevertheless, after financial problems and the looming closure of the museum this autumn, I'm relieved to see that Siena's biggest museum complex is still managing to stay open to the public. 

In fact the SMS is not just open for visits, but the kids' section of the museum is putting together a lovely initiative for families visiting Siena over Christmas. Nothing like your usual guided visit I 5 Tesori Nascosti (the five hidden treasures) is a joint venture between five Tuscan museums and Piccoli Principi, a Florence based theater company. The visitors won't be accompanied by museum guides, but by two actors who take everybody on a search for a hidden treasure. No doubt, young and old will be in for some surprise.  

Considering that it's an experience based visit for kids and adults alike, you should have fun exploring the museum this way, even if you're not fluent in Italian. 

SMS SIENA - I 5 TESORI NASCOSTI, interactive visit and guided tour
Thursday, December 20 - 10 am and noon
Friday, December 21 - 10 am, noon and 4.30
Saturday, December 22 - 11 am, 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm
Sunday, December 23 - 11 am, 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm 
Friday, December 28 - 11 am, 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm 
Saturday, December 29 - 11 am, 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm
Sunday, December 30 - 11 am, 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm

To double-check timings of visits (never a bad idea in Italy) and to make reservations phone +39 0577 534531 or email bambimus@comune.siena.it

 Spending the holiday season in Tuscany with kids? Discover the Medici and life in the Renaissance during one of the great guided visits (in English and other languages) at the Family Museum in Florence' Palazzo Vecchio. 

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