Florence Museums
Florence, at the heart of the Italian Rennaisance, might seem like an open air museum to most visitors. The piazzas and buildings themselves are a testament of the history of architecture and of past eras. Florence's cathedral, churches and many palaces were designed, built and decorated by many of the most illustrious of artists of the time, from Brunelleschi to Michelangelo, and can be admired freely from the outside. But in order to see another side of Florence, the side the contains most of its treasures, you need to go indoors and visit at least one or two museums while you are here. There you will find the paintings, sculptures and frescoes imagined and created by the greatest minds of all time.
Museums in Florence
Galleria degli Uffizi
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's top art museums - it houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Lots of sculptures too.
Galleria dell'Accademia
The Accademia houses Michelangelo's David, easily the most famous sculpture in the world. Once inside, you'll also see Michelangelo's unfinished and powerful Prisoners, along with a few works by Perugino, Giambologna, and Botticelli.
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Primarily a sculpture museum, you'll be treated to early Michelangelo marbles and Giambologna bronzes and then on to a room full of famous works by Donatello, considered by many the greatest sculptor since antiquity.
Palazzo Pitti
The Pitti Palace houses several important collections of paintings and sculpture, works of art, porcelain, silver and period costumes. The rooms contain works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Andrea del Sarto, and countless others. Behind the Pitti Palace, you'll find the baroque Boboli Gardens which are also a must see anytime of the year.
San Marco
The convent of San Marco is dominated by the lovely paintings of Fra Angelico. There is an aura of monastic calm within the building, conducive to appreciating the religious themes depicted.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
There is something very pleasing about the idea of visiting the maintenance section of the huge artistic undertaking that the cathedral complex represents.