The Bargello Museum: Florence's Best Sculpture Museum

This webpage contains affiliate links. See more details here.

The Bargello Museum in Florence (Museo Nazionale del Bargello) went beyond our expectations, charming us with both its amazing Renaissance art collection and beautiful architecture.

One June afternoon, we found ourselves at Florence's finest sculpture museum, seeking refuge from the bustling city crowds and intense sunlight. Every single moment spent within those walls was truly wonderful.

The Bargello Museum in Florence went beyond our expectations, charming us with both its amazing art collection and beautiful architectureThe Bargello Museum in Florence went beyond our expectations, charming us with both its amazing art collection and beautiful architecture

We could actually get up close to all the sculptures without fighting through crowds of people (it's not crowded as the Uffizi and the Accademia). And the courtyard - it's absolutely gorgeous. There are these lovely benches where you can just sit back, take a breather, and soak in all the beauty around you. It was the perfect way to spend part of our afternoon.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Ristorante il Bongusto La Maremma, a short stroll from the Bargello!

👉 Useful tip! Two hours should be more than enough to see the whole collection in the Bargello without rushing.

How to reach the Bargello Museum in Florence?

Getting to the Bargello Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello) is really easy! If you're starting from Piazza della Signoria, it's just a quick walk. Look for the big bronze horse statue (that's Cosimo I de' Medici), then take the small street called Via delle Farine.

Turn right on Via della Condotta (visit La Via del Tè, the nice Florentine tea shop in this street), then left on Via del Proconsolo. You'll find the museum at number 4. The famous Duomo is also just a short walk away.

Don't feel like walking? Taxis can drop you right at the entrance. Or if you're staying at the nearby Condotta 16 Apartments, you're already super close!

We got there from our place, Casa di Chiara by taking Tram 2 from Belfiore to Piazza dell'UnitĂ  Italiana (near the main train station). From there, it was an easy walk to the museum.

The best part? The Bargello Museum is right in Florence's historic center, and you can walk there from pretty much anywhere. See how to reach it from: 

  • From the Duomo (Florence's Cathedral) - head south on Via del Proconsolo (where you'll find De Herbore, a cute store selling skincare, perfumes, soaps...) for about 300 meters until you see the medieval palace of the Bargello.

  • From Santa Croce - walk west along Via dei Pandolfini until you reach the Bargello Museum.

  • From the Uffizi Gallery - from the Arno walk along Via dei Castellani then continue along Via dei Leoni and Via dei Proconsolo (5-7 minute walk)

  • From Santa Maria Novella train station - take Via dei Bachi and Via de' Cerretani and you'll arrive to Piazza del Duomo. Go around the Cathedral and in the corner you'll find Via del Proconsolo (and the Bargello). Visiting Florence on a day trip from Rome is possible!

The Bargello Museum Florence is rarely crowded!

When is the best time to visit the Bargello Museum in Florence?

You can really visit the Bargello Museum Florence whenever you want - it's never too busy there. We went on a Saturday in the middle of summer and it was actually quite nice.

They're open weekdays from 8:15am to 6:50pm, but keep in mind they're closed Tuesdays. Sundays are shorter, running from 8:15am to 1:50pm.

👉 Our tip! Might want to double-check the Bargello Museum opening hours though, just in case they've changed recently.

Find Your Florence Hotel & Apartment

 

What we loved the most about the Bargello Museum?

The beautiful courtyard (and "Il Pescatore" bronze sculpture)

Upon entering the courtyard of the Bargello Museum, we were immediately amazed by the building's beauty and all the exhibits displayed there.

It's a genuinely special place with a peaceful atmosphere, where visitors can unwind and gaze in wonder at magnificent sculptures created by great masters (including the six allegorical sculptures crafted by Bartolomeo Ammannati, the Ocean by Giambologna, several reliefs by Benedetto da Maiano, and the renowned Cannon of San Paolo by Cosimo Cenni).

Read also: 3 Days in Florence


Take a moment to relax on one of the welcoming benches scattered throughout the Bargello's peaceful courtyard.Take a moment to relax on one of the welcoming benches scattered throughout the Bargello's peaceful courtyard.

We were particularly enchanted by the coats of arms of the podestĂ , positioned along the palace walls. Our most cherished piece is the bronze sculpture known as "Il Pescatore" (the little fisherman) by Vincenzo Germito, which stands in solitary splendor.

Among all the courtyard sculptures, we were most captivated by Gemito's bronze work 'Il Pescatore'.Among all the courtyard sculptures, we were most captivated by Gemito's bronze work 'Il Pescatore'.

Michelangelo sculptures

The Michelangelo Room - it's on the ground floor, right by the staircase. Pretty convenient to find, actually.

There are three pieces by Michelangelo in there. First, you'll see Bacchus, this tipsy god statue that was Michelangelo's first attempt at a free-standing sculpture. There's also a bust of Brutus, which is interesting because it's the only bust he ever made. The third piece is a nice relief showing Mary and her child.

The room also has works from other Renaissance artists - Giambologna, Cellini, Ammannati, and Sansovino. It's a good collection, worth checking out if you're in the museum.

Read also: How Many Days to Spend in Florence


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

Donatello’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.

Donatello’s bronze “David” is naked; he is a young, frail teenager who has not yet reached adult size, wearing a strange hat, with one foot carelessly placed on Goliath’s big, helmeted head.

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

Donatello's bronze DavidDonatello's bronze David

The Maiolica Room

That small room housing the maiolica collection, with its dated glass cases, often goes unnoticed by visitors. Yet within lies a remarkable capsule spanning 800 years of decorative arts history, beginning with basic pottery fragments discovered in Tuscany and extending to contemporary design pieces.

Umbrian artists of the 16th century created elaborate "historiated" plates and various dinnerware shapes - though whether these pieces served practical dining purposes remains debatable. These works helped spread important Roman art motifs beyond the capital, reaching into homes throughout the region.

Read also: Best Food Tours in Florence


Majolica glazed pottery at the Bargello MuseumMajolica glazed pottery at the Bargello Museum

Beautiful loggia on the first floor

The ornate Loggia awaits at the top of the open stairway, showcasing an array of 16th century artistic works, including charming bronze animals originally created for the Medici Villa of Castello's garden. The natural setting makes these creatures appear perfectly at home in their surroundings.

This spot provided us with a welcome resting place during our Bargello adventure! It serves as an excellent shelter from both sunny and rainy weather!

The loggia of the Bargello Museum houses beautiful bronze animals made by GiambolognaThe loggia of the Bargello Museum houses beautiful bronze animals made by Giambologna

What is the best way to visit the Bargello Museum in Florence?

The Bargello Museum in Florence is well worth a visit, and good value when you buy a five museum ticket which also includes the Medici Chapels and Palazzo Davanzati. We just bought regular ticket at the ticket office, which costs â‚¬10. We advise you to buy the tickets on the spot, as there are no lines there. Next to the ticket office, you'll find the cloakroom, for leaving large backpacks, bulky bags and umbrellas (it's free).

👉 Useful tip! The first Sunday of the month between October and March, the entrance is free.

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).

Taking a guided tour of Bargello Museum could be a great idea!Taking a guided tour of Bargello Museum could be a great idea!

Can I take a guided tour of the Bargello Museum?

Absolutely - a guided tour of the Bargello Museum in Florence is a fantastic way to explore this Florence gem.

An expert guide really makes a difference here. He will share all sorts of fascinating stories about the building itself and help you appreciate those amazing Renaissance masterpieces.

It's like having a knowledgeable friend showing you around, making sure you don't miss any of the good stuff. Plus, they can answer all your questions right on the spot.

Here are some great guided tour options for you:

đź‘Ť Useful tip! Every Saturday, visitors can join guided tours at no cost.


More to Discover in Italy

What to see in Florence
Cooking Classes in Florence
Best Places to Stay in Rome