Accademia Gallery

"One of the most sensational museums in Florence, an unmissable destination for all art lovers, is undoubtedly the Galleria dell’Accademia. It is located in via Ricasoli 60, in the heart of the historic center, and is the place where the largest number of Michelangelo statues in the world are kept: there are 7 in total, and among these the David stands out for its beauty and fame. But not only Michelangelo: inside the Galleria dell’Accademia, opened in the now distant 1784, it is possible to visit the largest and most important collection in the world of gold-background paintings, as well as a collection dedicated to musical instruments. Divided into 12 rooms and a series of exhibition routes, the Galleria dell’Accademia is owned by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, and since 2014 it has been given special autonomy. MICHELANGELO’S DAVID Michelangelo’s David is the masterpiece of the Galleria dell’Accademia, and at the same time one of the most famous statues in the world. Since 1873 it has been located inside a room called the Tribune of David, where it is the only protagonist; in the lateral arms of the room there are numerous works of the Mannerist school, all dating back to around the mid-sixteenth century. The David is 5 meters and 20 centimeters tall, including the base which alone is just over a meter high. It was created by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504, and is one of the symbols of both the Renaissance and Florence. Michelangelo wanted to represent King David as he prepared to face Goliath, and found the main difficulty in the marble, which was of low quality and very fragile. The fee Michelangelo received for the construction, which lasted three years, was 400 florins. HALL OF THE COLOSSUS The name of this room comes from the statue of one of the Dioscuri of Montecavallo, now moved to the Gipsoteca dell'Istituto d'Arte di Porta Romana. In this room you can admire the sketch of the Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna, and numerous paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries of the Florentine school painted by artists of the caliber of Paolo Uccello, Botticelli and Perugino. Gallery of Prisoners The Prisoners are 4 male sculptures by Michelangelo, respectively Atlas, the bearded slave, the awakening slave and the young slave, originally made to decorate the tomb of Julius II in Rome, but which were used by Cosimo I de' Medici to decorate the Buontalenti grotto in the Boboli Gardens. They are flanked by two other statues by Michelangelo: the Palestrina Pietà and the Saint Matthew, while on the walls there are several 16th-century masterpieces by different artists. HALL OF THE 19TH CENTURY Inside the Hall of the 19th Century, or Gipsoteca Bartolini, are housed paintings and sculptures by 19th-century artists. The main protagonist is Lorenzo Bartolini, of whom numerous plaster casts are exhibited, while the paintings are the works that were created by the artists to participate in the painting competitions of the Academy of Fine Arts. "

" The Accademia Gallery, also known as Galleria dell'Accademia, is an art museum located in Florence, Italy. It is renowned for housing one of the most iconic sculptures in the world, Michelangelo's "David." The gallery is situated in the heart of Florence, near the Piazza San Marco. The Accademia Gallery was originally established in 1784 as an art academy, designed to teach and promote the arts. Over time, it evolved into a museum that displays a collection of important Renaissance artworks, with a particular focus on sculptures. The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly Michelangelo's "David." This magnificent marble statue stands at over 17 feet (5.17 meters) tall and depicts the biblical hero David, known for his victory over the giant Goliath. Michelangelo created the sculpture between 1501 and 1504, and it has since become an iconic symbol of Florence and Renaissance art. Aside from "David," the Accademia Gallery also houses other noteworthy sculptures by Michelangelo, including the unfinished "Slaves" series. These sculptures provide insights into Michelangelo's artistic process and showcase his incredible mastery of the human form. In addition to Michelangelo's works, the museum features a collection of religious paintings, altarpieces, and other sculptures from various artists. Visitors can explore artworks by notable Florentine artists like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Orcagna. The Accademia Gallery attracts a large number of visitors each year, and it's advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues. It offers a unique opportunity to admire Michelangelo's masterpieces up close and appreciate the artistic legacy of the Renaissance in Florence. "

"No visit to Florence would be complete without seeing Michelangelo’s David, housed in the Accademia Gallery. This 17-foot marble statue is a symbol of human strength and beauty and is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art. The gallery also features other important works by Michelangelo, including his unfinished sculptures known as the Prisoners, as well as a collection of Renaissance paintings and musical instruments. Take your time to appreciate the scale and detail of David, from his intense gaze to the meticulous rendering of his musculature."