Bargello Museum in Florence

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One of the Florence's hidden gems is for sure the Bargello Museum, situated in the impressive Palazzo del Bargello (from 1255) in the historic centre, not far from Piazza della Signoria.

This museum is definitely worth a visit, as it houses mainly sculptures by big names such as Michelangelo, Ghiberti and Donatello. In addition, you'll find enamel and ivory artifacts as well as weapons, jewellery and tapestries. For many travellers, this museum is the best art museum in Florence.

The Bargello Museum is quite the breath of fresh air when compared to the crowded Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. So head here if you want to spend a couple of hours exploring in a relaxing way.

The courtyard of Bargello Museum in FlorenceThe courtyard of Bargello Museum in Florence

When you step inside, you'll first arrive to the open courtyard, which is irregular and unique.

You'll find there coats of arms of the podestà and various statues by great masters - the six allegorical sculptures by Bartolomeo Ammannati, the Ocean by Giambologna, some reliefs by Benedetto da Maiano and the so-called Cannon of San Paolo by Cosimo Cenni.

Our favourite piece in the courtyard is "Il Pescatore" (the fisher boy), the beautiful bronze sculpture by Vincenzo Germito, with so many details.

Benches in the courtyard of Bargello Museum (ideal for a rest)Benches in the courtyard of Bargello Museum (ideal for a rest)
Il Pescatore, the bronze sculpture by GemitoIl Pescatore, the bronze sculpture by Gemito

Start your visit with the Michelangelo Room, which is closest to the staircase. This room displays 3 different works by Michelangelo. The most famous is the tipsy god Bacchus, the Michelangelo's first free-standing work.

There is also a bust of Brutus, the only bust Michelangelo ever made. Finally, you will find a relief of Mary and child. There are also works by Giambologna, Cellini, Ammannati and Sansovino in the same room.

Bacchus is one of the earliest sculptures of MichelangeloBacchus is one of the earliest sculptures of Michelangelo

At the Bargello, you can also admire Donatello‘s marble statue David and Saint George, as well as works by Luca della Robbia, Verrocchio and Benvenuto Cellini.

The Salone del Consiglio used to be a courtroom, but now contains early Renaissance sculptures.

The most famous is Donatello's Saint George and the bronze statue of the young hero David with the head of the slain giant Goliath at his feet. This was the first known free-standing nude statue produced since classical times. 

Other participants of the competition for the bronze doors of Florence's Baptistery) can also be found in this room. Behind the Salone you will find a room with carpets, pottery, silver and other refined art objects.

Donatello's bronze DavidDonatello's bronze David

The Salone del Camino is the Bargello Museum's most famous room on the second floor. Here you will find the smallest bronze statues in Italy.

This collection includes replicas of antique models and Renaissance statues. Names such as Giambologna and Cellini can be found in this room.

The museum stores also many other treasures: ivories that include several Roman and Byzantine examples, down to medieval glazes and Limoges porcelain from German and French gold works, Renaissance jewels down to Islamic examples of damascened bronze; from grand ducal collections down to Venetian glass. Of note are also the majolicas, arms and small bronze statues.

The open staircase leads to the Loggia, ornamentals with various works by other 16th century artists including the delightful bronze animals made for the garden of the Medici Villa of Castello.

Majolica glazed pottery at Bargello MuseumMajolica glazed pottery at Bargello Museum
Loggia of Bargello MuseumLoggia of Bargello Museum

Plan your visit to Bargello Museum

  • Address: Via del Proconsolo 4 (only a short walk from Piazza della Signoria)
  • Full ticket price: €10
  • Opening times: most days from 8:15am - 1:50pm (some days until 6:50pm); closed on 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month and every Tuesday
  • Free entrance: The first Sunday of the month between October and March.
  • The bookshop is located at the museum’s entrance. Museum guides in various languages, art publications, and items inspired by the exhibited works are available for purchase.
  • The cloakroom is located in front of the ticket office. Here visitors needs to leave umbrellas, large backpacks and bulky bags (the service is complimentary)

Best tickets for visiting the Bargello Museum

The Bargello's opening hours currently vary depending on the season, opening for longer hours in the summer. We advise you to check out on the official website of the current opening times.

Get skip-the-line access to The National Museum at the Bargello with this online ticket. Or save by purchasing one of the following ticket combos:

  • Bargello + Pallazo Vecchio ticket, 
  • Uffizi Gallery + Bargello combo, 
  • Palazzo Pitti & Palatine Gallery + Bargello Museum combo or finally 
  • 5-Attractions Combo (free entry to Bargello, Davanzati, Medici Chapels, Orsanmichele and Martelli House).

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