The Palazzo Ghisilardi serves as the home of Museo Civico Medievale in Bologna. The palace dates from the period, (1446-1506), when the Bentivoglio family controlled the city. Papal politics alternately kept or swept members of the Bentivoglio family in and out of power, often resulting in assassinations of the heads of the family.

Long lines form next door at the Palazzo Fava for the excellent Edward Hopper exhibition running through July 24, but the medieval collection can be viewed peacefully and leisurely.