Florence, like much of Italy, is known for its incredible food, wine, and laid-back atmosphere. But it’s also home to some of the greatest museums and art galleries in the world. From the Museo del Novecento and the Palazzo Pitti to the Gucci Garden, Uffizi Gallery, there’s no better city to soak up art and culture than the birthplace of the Renaissance.

And, in between all the art appreciation, be sure to check out Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and other sites the city has to offer.  Consider taking a walking tour to learn about Florence’s rich history before you leave town.

So, to help you and your art-loving companions, we compiled a brief list of the top ten museums and art galleries to visit when you’re in Florence (in no order). Check out our picks below, and happy traveling!

Salvatore Ferragamo Museum – Salvatore Ferragamo changed the role of footwear in international fashion, and his designs and artistry are celebrated elegantly at the eponymous museum in Florence.

Museo del Novecento – The Museo del Novecento, dedicated to Italian art of the 20th and 21st centuries, is located inside the Palazzo dell’Arengario in Piazza del Duomo, and hosts a collection of more than four thousand works for visitors to admire.

Palazzo Vecchio – The Palazzo Vecchio was, at one point, the seat of government in Florence — but luckily for visitors, it’s now a splendid art museum. The first floor was originally decorated by Michelangelo and Leonardo, while the second floor is where you’ll find Donatello’s Judith.

Palazzo Strozzi – Built around the original Renaissance courtyard, the Palazzo Strozzi’s exhibitions range from critically acclaimed masters to shows with leading contemporary artists such as Ai Weiwei, Carsten Höller, and Marina Abramović.

Uffizi Gallery – The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s most famous museums and boasts outstanding collections of sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. The collections of paintings from the 14th-century and Renaissance period include masterpieces from the likes of Botticelli, Correggio, Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and more. The gallery also houses a collection of ancient statues and busts from the Medici family.

Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens – One of Florence’s largest architectural monuments, the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens were the former home of the Medici family. Built in 1457, the building is now a gorgeous museum, and the gardens are open to visitors, as well.

Galleria dell’Accademia – While there are plenty of reasons to visit the gallery, the Galleria dell’Accademia exhibits the largest number of Michelangelo’s sculptures in the world — including the world-famous David.

Gucci Garden – For fashion lovers who have already stopped by the Ferragamo museum, there’s no better next stop than the Gucci Garden. The garden features a store, exhibition rooms, and a restaurant from world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello – For fans of sculpture, the collection of Renaissance statues at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello is considered among the most remarkable in the world. It also opened its doors in 1865 by order of royal decree, making it Italy’s first national museum.

Gallery of the Ospedale – Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the Gallery of the Ospedale degli Innocenti is in one of the most famous and important architectural complexes of the early Florentine 15th century. The exhibitions put a special focus on the personal stories of the children who lived there when the building was an orphanage.

After taking in all the great art Florence has to offer, you’ll be sure to have an appetite. Dining around the city is a snap on one of the many food tours available, where you’ll eat as the locals do, visiting neighborhood spots to try their specialties, with over eight tastes and five drinks — enough food for a full dinner — across four family-run small businesses. Then, when you need to burn off some of the delicious food and drink, look for a walking tour of town, where (among many other exciting things) you’ll get to skip the long lines to marvel at Michelangelo’s David, one of the best-known sculptures in the world, with an expert guide.

The most popular time to visit Florence is in the summer, but if you can stand chillier temperatures, winter and fall usually mean lower prices and less crowds.

Original Post Date: August 4, 2023