Best art museums in Florence: discovering the city's artistic wonders

Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is a city bursting with creativity. From its astonishing architecture to its history of science, its tradition of delicious food to its long legacy of visual art and design, the city is a must-visit for aesthetes and culture vultures.

Throughout its long history, Florence has been home to some of the world’s finest artists. In the present day, the city continues to house many of the world’s most important masterpieces in its extensive collection of art galleries, which are a must-see for any art lover visiting Florence.

Best art museums in Florence

1. Admire Michelangelo’s stunning David at the Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery’s most famous exhibit is Michelangelo’s spectacular 17-foot-tall sculpture of David, one of the world’s most famous works of art. However, it is also home to a vast collection of other masterpieces: be sure to plan enough time to really enjoy this impressive collection. Get the most out of your visit with an Accademia Gallery guided tour.

Highlights:

Make sure to take in the Hall of Colossus, with stunning paintings by Ucello, Lippi, Perugino, and Botticelli.

Address and opening hours:

Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 AM-6:20 PM. Closed Mondays.

2. Enjoy the famous Medici collection at the Palatine Gallery

The Pitti Palace, which houses the famous Palatine Gallery and other museums, is a work of art in itself, with its beautiful frescoes by Pietro da Cortona and stucco work. Art lovers will enjoy a Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery guided tour, where you can see Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces. If it ain’t baroque, don’t fix it.

Highlights:

For fans of the painter Raphael, the Palatine Gallery boasts more Raphael paintings than any other museum in the world.

Address and opening hours:

Pitti Palace, Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday 1:30 PM-6:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

3. Wander the famed halls of the Uffizi Gallery

Arguably the best art museum in Florence, which is saying really something, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery exposes you to a collection of masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Raphael that are guaranteed to take your breath away.

Highlights:

The Uffizi welcomes 10,000 visitors each day — skip the inevitable long line with this entry ticket.

Address and opening hours:

Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 AM-6:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

4. Admire world-famous sculptures at the Bargello Museum

It’s famously said that the Bargello is to sculpture what the Uffizi is to painting because it’s one of the best museums in Florence for sculptures. A must-see in any list of art galleries in Florence, Bargello is home to some of the city’s most famous artworks, including a spectacular bronze by Donatello.

Highlights:

The 13th-century building is of historical interest: it was previously a prison, police headquarters, and seat of the Council of Justice.

Address and opening hours:

Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Florence. Open Wednesday-Thursday 8:15 AM-1:50 PM, Friday-Monday 8:15 AM-6:50 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

5. Marvel at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

While not the most famous art gallery in Florence, the Opera Del Duomo museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of Medieval and Renaissance sculpture in the world. Take part in this guided tour, and learn about its masterpieces by Donatello, Ghiberti and countless others.

Highlights:

A highlight of the museum is the breathtaking dome, designed by Brunelleschi in the 15th century and a world-famous architectural icon.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Florence. Open daily, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

6. Enjoy a modern take on Florentine art at the Novecento Museum

It would be a mistake to think that all Florence has to offer is Renaissance art. During the 20th century, the city was a hotspot for modern art, and its rich legacy can be discovered at the Novecento Museum. A private tour will show you the best of modern Italian art, spanning visual art, cinema, music, and literature.

Highlights:

Some of the most important 20th-century artists are featured in this museum: learn all about them on the tour.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 10, 50123 Florence. Open Friday-Wednesday 11:00 AM-8:00 PM. Closed Thursdays.

Best design museums in Florence

7. Put on your dancing shoes at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

Who says shoes aren’t art? The famous Italian brand Ferragamo takes shoes seriously, and so does the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. Each year, there’s a new exhibit, placing the classic fashion brand within different artistic, socio-historical, and philosophical contexts.

Highlights:

The Ferragamo brand has a rich legacy within the history of fashion and design. Fans of design, fashion, or simply shoes won’t want to miss this.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Trinita, 5R, 50123 Florence. Open daily, 10:30 AM-7:30 PM.

8. Feel fabulous at the Gucci Garden Museum

Florence is famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance — and also as the birthplace of luxury fashion brand Gucci. Art in Florence includes fashion design, and fashionistas flock each year to the Gucci Garden Museum, which hosts an impressive three-story collection detailing the brand’s chronology, from the 1920s to contemporary times.

Highlights:

For a truly luxury experience, try the Gucci Osteria restaurant next door, with its Michelin-star winning chef.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Signoria, 10, 50122 Florence. Open daily 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Alternative museums in Florence

9. Pay homage to a star of cinema at the Franco Zeffirelli Museum

Florence is not only about high art and fashion: it has a rich history of cinema, too. Enjoy learning about the stage and screen legacy of the most famous Florentine filmmakers at the Franco Zeffirelli Museum.

Highlights:

Discover over 250 sketches by Zeffirelli, including set designs and costume sketches for theater and cinema.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza San Firenze 5, 50122 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

10. Interact with art installations at the Selfie Museum

For an art gallery in Florence with a different approach, visit the Selfie Museum. With artworks from over 400 international artists, this museum is an invitation to collaborate with the installations by posing for fun and creative photos with them.

Highlights:

Bring your camera or cellphone for some truly unique vacation photos.

Address and opening hours:

Via Ricasoli, 44, 50122 Florence. Open daily 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Florence?

Many of the larger museums in Florence offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. This is very popular and can mean long lines. Check on the websites to find out which museums offer this free admission.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Florence?

The Stefano Bardini Museum, with its eclectic private collection of art and antique treasures, is well worth a visit and has something to interest every taste. The Opificio delle Pietre Dure Musem is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the unusual artistic technique of commesso fiorentino, a Florentine mosaic of semi-precious stones forming images.

Which art museums in Florence have works by famous artists?

Florence has no shortage of museums with works by some of the world’s most famous artists, in particular those from the High Renaissance. The Uffizi, the Accademia Gallery, the Palatine Gallery, the Bargello Museum, and the Opera Dul Duomo Museum are all filled with masterpieces by famous artists.

Are the art museums in Florence wheelchair accessible?

Florence was granted the Access City Award in 2021 and has a generally good standard of accessibility, with most museums being wheelchair accessible. In many of the museums, admission is free of charge for wheelchair users and one companion. It’s always a good idea to check the accessibility of individual museums in advance of a visit.

Are there any art museums in Florence that are suitable for children and families?

There are child-friendly tours on offer for many of the major museums, such as this Skip-the-Line Uffizi Museum Tour for Kids & Families. Children will love the stimulating Leonardo Interactive Museum, with its array of interactive workshops, and the Galileo Museum.