Data analysis: moderate but steady growth and a change in the origin of visitors
From 2021 to the present, the Don Bosco House Museum has experienced steady growth, welcoming more and more visitors attracted by the figure of Don Bosco and his work. In 2021, the museum recorded 10,073 visitors, rising to 28,449 in 2023 and growing to 41,052 in 2024. In 2025, the number of visitors remained almost unchanged, with a slight increase compared to the previous year. These figures show a continuing interest in the Mother House, the heart of the Salesian Congregation, which preserves the origins of its work. Overall, since its opening in October 2020, the museum has welcomed 145,202 visitors, a figure that testifies to the affection and deep bond that millions of people around the world have for this Salesian house.
In 2024, Italian visitors accounted for 62.5% of the total, while foreign visitors accounted for 34.7%; the remaining 2.8% did not indicate their country of origin. In 2025, there was a significant change in the composition of the public: the proportion of Italian visitors fell to 51.5%, while the proportion of foreign visitors rose to 47.0%; the remaining 1.5% were of unspecified origin. The data confirms the marked increase in international visitors.
With regard to the total number of international visitors recorded in 2025, Spain remains the country with the highest number of visitors, with 3,731 people, accounting for 19.2% of the total number of international visitors. It is followed by France, with 3,018 visitors (15.5%), the United States with 1,570 visitors (8.1%), and Poland with 960 visitors (4.9%). Croatia recorded 902 visitors (4.6%), and Brazil brought 581 visitors (3.0%).
Other significant countries were China with 535 visitors (2.7%), Germany with 521 visitors (2.7%), Mexico with 509 visitors (2.6%), and Slovakia with 464 visitors (2.4%). These were followed by Argentina with 460 visitors (2.4%), Slovenia with 438 (2.2%), India with 428 (2.2%), South Korea with 318 (1.6%) and Ecuador with 290 (1.5%). This change suggests that the Don Bosco house museum is gaining increasing international relevance: a positive sign that goes beyond the traditional Italian audience.
Jubilee and continuity: an extraordinary commitment from staff and volunteers
Although the Jubilee brought a significant influx of pilgrims in July and August, the Don Bosco House Museum was also a popular destination in March, April, May and October, welcoming not only Jubilee pilgrims but also school groups and tourists visiting Valdocco and Turin.
A key aspect of this year was the extraordinary commitment of the staff, Universal Civil Service operators and volunteers, who ensured the efficient management of visitor numbers. To cope with the growing demand, special openings outside official hours were organised, with a total of 128 extra opening days in the 12 months of 2025. This availability made it possible to meet the needs of visitors even on the busiest days.
A positive balance sheet and future prospects
2025 is therefore shaping up to be a year of stability for the Don Bosco House Museum, with modest but positive growth and a significant increase in international visitors.
Looking to the future, Don Bosco’s house is preparing for new challenges, aiming to maintain a balance between local and international audiences. In line with the international standards established by ICOM, the International Council of Museums, the house museum will continue to play its fundamental role in the research, conservation, interpretation and exhibition of Salesian cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.
Furthermore, the museum confirms its commitment to serving society by promoting Salesian values and offering an increasingly engaging, educational and accessible visitor experience, in full accordance with the Salesian mission.
Dr Ana Martín García Ph.D,
General Coordinator of the Don Bosco House Museum
