The Lantern of Genoa , an authentic monument and icon of the city, is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean (77 metres) , the second highest in Europe and over the centuries it has been a signaling and armed guard tower, a stage for tightrope walkers and a prison. It was built in its current form in 1543, its rotating optics are visible at a distance of 57 kilometers

The Lanterna today houses the Lantern Museum which, in the first rooms of the riflemen, tells real "stories": tales about Genoa and its province, seen through history, art, the territory, the characters, the traditions.

Another section of the museum, known as the Cannon Hall, is dedicated to the use of maritime instruments and those for signaling at sea. Of particular interest is the Fresnel lens which simulates, for the visitor, the rotating light beam.

Eight hours of archive footage allow for ever-new programming on the over forty screens distributed in its rooms. It is an integral part of Mu.MA - Institution of Museums of the Sea and Migrations of Genoa, which also has other exhibition venues such as the Galata Museo del Mare, the Commenda di Prè and the Naval Museum of Pegli.

The Lantern Museum also periodically hosts thematic exhibitions, workshops for families and educational activities.