Best Museums in Florence

The old palace located in Piazza della Signoria offers a lot to visitors. You can step inside the entrance for free, and a ticket allows you access to the old rooms where the Medici family used to live and run the city of Florence. You'll find works by da Vinci and Michelangelo here, as well as beautifully-decorated rooms. It also allows you an amazing view of the Arno River and the city all the way to the Santa Croce church. History lovers will admire the hidden secrets inside the palace, which is why taking a tour can be one of the best ways to get to know about the structure's odd and intriguing past.

Fashion lovers won't be able to get enough of the Gucci Museum right next to Piazza della Signoria. Not only can you see how the Gucci legacy was built, but you can also see how much care and quality they put into their products. For those obsessed with how the typical Gucci purse or clothing items are made, this is a can't-miss experience that allows you a glimpse into the competitive world of fashion. Recently, they've also started to add contemporary exhibits where you can view new and upcoming artists--it's a haven for anyone interested in fashion as an art.

If the Uffizi is the home of some of the best paintings in Florence, then the Bargello is the Uffiizi for sculpture. You'll find all sorts of terrific statues from multiple different time periods and plenty to see while you spend your time here. It's also not as typically crowded as some of the other museums, so you can take your time and enjoy while checking out the collection. You might also want to think about looking into a tour--you'll find passionate tour guides happy to show you around and explain the details of the items on display. For those looking for something a little different, this is the museum for you.

A smaller and quieter museum usually looked over by tourists is the Bardini Museum. An antiques collector with a passion for history, Bardini put together his collection in his private home. After his death, it was made into a museum and his acquired items were put on display for visitors to take a look. You'll find the original Porcellino bronze and plenty of armory and classical statues to keep you busy. You can also find discounts for children and senior citizens so everyone can enjoy their time at the museum. Also, think about taking a tour to learn more about the history behind Bardini's collection.

The extensive Pitti Palace has almost too much to offer visitors. Not only can you wander through the elaborate rooms and view the extensive collection of tapestries and furniture, but you can also take time to step outside--the Boboli Gardens are right behind. You can also buy a combination ticket that allows you to visit the silver and costume galleries attached to the main palace. Not only is it cheaper to go with this option, but you can end up seeing a lot more. When you need a museum that will take up an entire day, the Pitti Palace can offer you plenty to see and do both indoors and out.

Not only is the Duomo one of the crowning architectural achievements in Florence, but it also has several different museums attached worth visiting and spending a ticket on. You can get several ticket options depending on what sounds like the most interesting to you. Whether you choose to explore underground and underneath the church or you have plans to climb the actual dome, you can find the best kind of ticket for you or for your family. You might also want to peruse the actual museum where you can learn how this UNESCO site was built and how it became the marvel of its time.

Both history and science lovers will find that the Museo Galileo is worth exploring. You can find plenty to see for everyone of all ages--it's a great spot to take the kids after so many different art museums. It's an hands-on museum with lots several exhibits that will take up your entire afternoon. It's one of the best stops when you are planning on spending a few hours indoors and you need a break from some Renaissance works of art and want to check out something new. You can view the instruments used at the time that allowed Galileo to make some of the incredible innovative discoveries he did.

The Strozzi Palace is famous for hosting several new exhibits a year, and you'll find everything from Picasso to classic Greek and Roman sculpture. There's a program for children and a cafe offering delicious coffee and food options on the lower level. There's also the standard exhibit where you can leisurely walk through. Not only will you find some amazing works of art, but you will also experience Florence's love for art. Discounts are available for students, senior citizens, and young children so everyone can becoming inspired after checking out the thoughtful exhibits or sipping on a cup of espresso talking art.

Not only does Florence's famous Accademia building hold one of the most iconic works from the Renaissance, Michelangelo's David, but it also holds some amazing works of art worth perusing. It would be a shame not to visit Florence without stopping at this beautiful building structured around Michelangelo's masterpiece. Tours are also available if you want to know about how the David was constructed and its history. A few minutes' walk from the Duomo and the main city center, you can find works that you'll never forget and the truly magical experience of seeing the David in person. Make sure to book some tickets online to same some time from lines.

Florence's most famous museum holds some of the most memorable works of art in Italy. You'll find works by some of the top Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, da Vinci, Lippi, and many others. It can take you hours to walk through the entirety of the museum, so it's a good idea to have which works are important to you in mind so you can hit the highlights. Also think about getting tickets online before you go--it can save you a lot of money and time waiting in line. You'll never forget your time at this museum and what you see here--it's the art experience of a lifetime.