Florence is home to world-class art museums, Renaissance and architectural masterpieces. From narrow streets crossing the Arno River to historic palaces dating back to the 15th-16th centuries, all these ancient and rustic treasures make Florence an ideal city for art lovers. While the city is filled with many historic architecture, art galleries and museums, Florence is a great chance to see the works of world-class artists. Home to some of the finest paintings, sculptures and heritage buildings, a visit to these museums is worth it.
10 best Florence museums
If you are visiting Florence for the first time then mark these 8 best museums on your travel checklist and be sure to satisfy your craving for exploring the finest arts.
1. Uffizi Gallery
A treasure trove of masterpieces from the past, the Uffizi Museum in Florence is one of the best places to see art of the medieval era. The museum is adorned with Renaissance staircases, frescoed ceilings and fine art collections. From the works of Gothic painters to huge altarpieces, this museum has preserved some of the finest art of bygone times. In 1769, Peter Leopold of Lorraine opened the Uffizi Gallery and its precious arts to the public.
Place: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence FI, Italy
Time: 8:15am-6:50pm (Closed Monday)
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2. Academia Gallery
Academy Gallery It ranks among the most popular museums in Florence due to its sculptures by the great Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. Also displayed in the main hall are works by famous Italian artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Andrea del Sarto. Most of the artworks displayed in the museum were created by the Medici family and donated to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany for people to enjoy the beautiful intricacies of the famous artists.
Place: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122 Florence FI, Italy
Time: 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM (Closed Monday)
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3. Dante’s House
This museum is dedicated to Dante (considered the father of the Italian language) where his wisdom and literary masterpieces have been preserved for centuries. The place reflects the life of the city in the 1300s spanning not only its culture but also its economic and social landscape. Live in a building which is a recreated place of what is believed to be his birth place. The museum consists of three floors, each floor representing three important stages of Dante’s life.
Place: Via Santa Margherita, 1, 50122 Florence FI, Italy
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
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4. Palazzo Davanzati
Housed in ruins from the medieval era, Palazzo Davanzati is the aristocratic home that has been converted into a museum. Inside the museum the heritage of domestic life in the medieval era has been preserved. Built around the 14th century, the museum now preserves ancient furnishings from that era and also displays painted walls decorated with geometric signs and motifs. This place is an ideal place for those who want to explore and know about the lifestyle of the medieval era.
Place: Via Porta Rossa, 13, 50123 Florence FI, Italy
Time: 8:15am-1:30pm (Mon-Fri), 1:15pm-6:30pm (Sat-Sun)
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5. Marino Marini Museum
Marino Marini Museum, home of contemporary and modern art in what was formerly the church of San Pancrazio. The architecture has retained the interior of the museum with the ancient structures of the church while highlighting the concept of space and light through the exhibits. People who are interested in ancient arts can come to this place and see the unique blend of arts. Entirely dedicated to artwork, this place offers a unique blend of different genres.
Place: piazza di s. Pancrazio, 50123 Florence FI, Italy
Time: Mon, Sat and Sunday (10am to 7pm), Tuesday-Thursday (Closed)
6. Museum of Opera del Duomo
Preserving 750 years of Florence under one roof, the Opera del Duomo Museum is considered one of the best museums in Florence. Brahming an incredible cathedral complex, the museum displays treasured relics of ancient times. Statues, front doors, an octagonal chapel and other artistic treasures from the 19th century are on display here.
Place: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Florence FI, Italy
Time: Mon-Sat (9 am to 7:30 pm), Sunday (9 am to 1:30 pm)
7. Bargello National Museum
Preserving the incredible Renaissance art of the medieval period, the Bargello National Museum is housed in the Palazzo del Bargello, an impressive fortress surrounding an austere façade. The museum was used as a barracks or prison before being converted into a space preserving art and sculptures. The museum was officially opened in 1865 to display its Italian art collection of Renaissance sculptures and Gothic art from the 14th to 17th centuries. Works by Donatello, Luca Della Robbia, Cellini and Verrocchio have been displayed in the museum and over the years, magnificent collections of bronzes, ceramics, ivories, amber, furniture and textiles have also taken the stage.
Place: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Florence FI, Italy
Time: 8:15am-1:20pm (Mon-Sun)
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8. Stibert Museum
The Stibbert Museum is considered a treasure trove of European arms and armor where time has stood still. Located in the Villa di Montaghi, this beautiful museum was created by Frederick Stibert who lived in the villa. The museum’s interiors extensively display weapons, armour, clothing and objects that Frederick collected throughout his life, which were donated to the city of Florence after his death. The Stibbert Museum ensures a unique experience with its displays of antiquities from around the world.
Place: Via Federico Stibert, 26, 50134 Florence FI, Italy
Time: Mon-Wed (10am to 2pm), Fri-Sun (10am to 6pm), Thursday (Closed)
9. Ospedale degli Innocenti
This is where you’ll get a glimpse of Florence’s rich history, with the Istituto degli Innocenti showcasing its 600-year history. The exhibits basically depict the personal lives of the children who were living at this place when it used to be an orphanage. The exhibits include works by Domenico Ghirlandaio as well as Botticelli. These masterpieces are part of Filippo Brunelleschi’s well-curated gallery. When looking for the famous Florence Museum and GalleryDon’t forget to consider this.
Place: Plaza Della Santissima Annunziata, 12, 50121 Florence FI, Italy
Time: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
10. Museo Novecento
This museum has a great history. It was founded as a result of Carlo Ludovico Raghianti’s concern for the loss of a large number of masterpieces due to heavy flooding. The art historian’s concern was greatly appreciated by over 200 local and global artists who wholeheartedly donated their works to the museum. Currently, the museum houses more than 400 masterpieces which include poetry as well as paintings.
Place: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 10, 50123 Florence FI, Italy
Time: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
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These museums will definitely take you on a journey into the past and give you a glimpse of Florence’s artistic heritage. So, don’t waste your time and plan your holidays in Florence and enjoy a relaxing time exploring the heritage of this artistic city!
Frequently Asked Questions about Florence Museum
Q.Why do the statues of David have big hands?
One. The right hand of this statue of David appears to be incongruous as the artist Michelangelo tried to match it with David’s nickname – ‘Manu Fortis’ which translates to ‘Strong of the Hand’.
Q. How much does it cost to visit the Uffizi Gallery?
One. The Uffizi Gallery is one of those Florence galleries that requires pre-booking. The booking cost is around Rs 313 while the ticket price is Rs 625. Museum tickets can be booked either online or through telephone.
Q. What is there in the statue of David?
One. The statue of David is shown holding a sling bag with his left hand which is over his left shoulder.
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