Florence, despite being a small city, is world-renowned for its influence on art and the Renaissance. Through the patronage of rich families, like the Medicis, Florentine art was able to thrive. Below are our recommendations for which museums to visit while here:
1. The Galleria dell’Accademia
The Galleria dell’Accademia holds perhaps one of the most famous sculptures of all time- David! The statue is impressive, with Michelangelo being a true genius in understanding perspective. If you look carefully, you’ll notice that the proportions of the statue are not true to life. Instead, Michelangelo adjusts the proportions to account for the viewing perspective of his audience (from below).
There are also other artworks in this gallery that are worth checking out, including a cool sculpture room. However, David truly is the main highlight. Be sure to book these tickets in advance to ensure you get entry.
KDancks with David
2. Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery features an impressive collection of important art and artists. Like David, you will need to get tickets to this museum in afance. Below are some of the highlights:
The Birth of Venus
Even if you are unfamiliar with art history, you will likely recognize this work from pop culture.
The Birth of Venus shows the goddess shortly after her birth. Botticelli, the painter responsible for this masterpiece, would depict myths like this in his earlier works, and these are often considered his best pieces.
However, he destroyed many of these paintings when the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola began to preach the need for repentance. Botticelli likely participated in the Bonfire of the Vanities, which resulted in the burning of “sinful” items. His later works would focus on the Holy family and Biblical scenes (Some of these are also represented in this gallery).
Pro Tip: Botticelli almost always painted the same woman in his paintings. Her name was Simonetta Vespucci. You’ll see her face in his other works in the gallery. Be on the lookout for this as you explore.
Medusa
This painting is another famous work by the highly-esteemed painter Caravaggio (He’s my personal favorite). This particular work was a gift for Grand Duke Ferdinando I. As you look at the painting, you’ll notice Caravaggio’s mastery of chiaroscuro, which is the use of light and dark to create high contrast paintings. You’ll see this throughout all of his works, many of which are located in prominent churches and galleries throughout Italy.
The Annunciation
This painting was done by none other than Leonardo da Vinci and depicts the moment the angel Grabriel informs Mary that she will have a son. It was completed between the years 1472 and 1475.
“Holy Family” or “Doni Tondo”
Holy Family is a circular painting hanging in the Uffizi and is credited as being Michaelangelo’s only panel painting.
3. The Palazzo Vecchio
This is a free museum where you can explore some beautiful frescos and stunning statues. This is also located alongside a very famous square, where you can see where David once stood (There is now a replica there).
4. Opera del Duomo Museum
You can go inside the Duomo and climb the stairs to get the top to get a great view of the city (highly recommend!). However, there is also a correlating museum to visit. The main attraction are the baptistry doors. Like David, the ones outside are replicas (in an effort to preserve the originals).
Fun Fact: The panels of the Duomo remain unfinished (because Michaelangelo thought it was ugly).
Pro Tip: The Duomo had a ball fall off the top of it after its construction. There is still a dent in the ground you can look for.
Replica of the baptistery doors
The real baptistery doors
Final Thoughts
Florence is a beautiful city, filled with art and great museums. We’d recommend booking in advance (since tickets can sell out) and soaking in all the beautiful art. Any museums we missed? Leave them in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the museums in Rome or Florence better?
If you are trying to choose between Rome and Florence, evalutating which museums you would like to see is a first step. Both have incredible museums, so which you will like better will depend on your interests. Rome has the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum, and the Colosseum. Rome’s museums are bigger and focus on a wider timeframe, including archelogical finds and 17th centry art. On the other hand, Florence’s museums host David and Botticelli’s most famous works. Museums in Florence will primarily focus on the Renaissance.
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