The Renaissance has left an indelible mark on the history of art and culture. During this period, Florence was home to some of the greatest artists who redefined the standards of beauty and aesthetics in their respective fields. These artists were not only masters of their craft but also epitomes of creativity.
These brilliant minds continue to inspire us even today with their work. So much so that there are museums dedicated solely to housing these individuals’ sculptures, paintings, and other creations.
To get a taste of this historical period and its influential artists, here’s an overview of the 20 best Museums in Florence + 10 Lesser-Known Examples:
1 Selfie Museum Florence (Museums in Florence)
Selfie Museum Florence
The Selfie Museum is a modern and inventive take on the idea of a traditional museum. It’s a place where you can learn about art through selfies. No, we’re not kidding. The Selfie Museum was created by Artemy Vladimirov and showcases his collection of self-portraits. The museum also features portraits of famous people, including Salvador Dalí, Barack Obama, and Vladimir Putin. The museum is a tongue-in-cheek way of exploring the history of art. It’s an excellent place to learn more about the various styles of art and artists throughout history. It’s an interesting and amusing way of viewing art. The museum is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a novel way of learning about art.
Address: Via Ricasoli, 44, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 614 5267
2 Casa di Dante (Museums in Florence)
The Casa di Dante is a museum dedicated to the Italian poet Dante Alighieri. The structure was the poet’s home in Florence during the last decade of his life. It was built around 1289 by the wealthy banker Simone di Salvadore Guidi. After the poet’s death, the house was used by various owners. In 1865, it was purchased by the Società Dante Alighieri, who restored the property and transformed it into a museum. The museum presents a well-curated collection of artifacts, crafts, and books dating back to the 13th century. It also features several paintings by Renaissance artists, including a self-portrait by the poet himself. Other highlights include a 13th-century triptych depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, a 14th-century crucifix, 14th-15th-century majolica pottery, and 15th-century Florentine furniture.
Address: Museo Casa di Dante, Via Santa Margherita, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 219416
3 Uffizi Museum (Museums in Florence)
The Uffizi Museum is one of the best museums in Florence. It houses a large collection of Renaissance art and other antiquities, including the famous works of Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. The Uffizi was originally the offices of the Florentine civil service. However, in the late 19th century, it was converted into a museum to house the Medici family’s art collection. The building was designed by architect, artist, and engineer Giorgio Vasari. In the 20th century, the Uffizi was again converted into a museum to hold the growing collection of the Italian state. There is an additional building next door, the Palazzo Pitti, that also houses the museum’s collection. More than 8,000 artifacts are displayed in the Uffizi, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts. The internationally renowned works of art on display include Leonardo’s The Virgin of the Rocks, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and Paolo Uccello’s Hunt of the Unicorn.
Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 294883
4 Museo di Palazzo Vecchio (Museums in Florence)
The Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence. It has been the seat of the municipal government since the 14th century. In addition to being a place of governance, the Palazzo Vecchio is also home to one of the best museums in Florence. The building features a fascinating collection of medieval artifacts, Tuscan sculptures, and Renaissance paintings. The most notable of the many fascinating artifacts is The Walt Whitman Codex. It is a collection of poems and an essay by the acclaimed poet. There are several other notable exhibits at the museum, including The Battle of Marciano, The Hunt of the Unicorn, Madonna, and Child, and the Resuscitated Brothel.
Address: P.za della Signoria, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
5 Opera del Duomo Museum (Museums in Florence)
Opera del Duomo Museum is one of the best museums in Florence. It was established to house the works of art and architectural fragments found during the construction of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. The museum was inaugurated in 1889 to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of the foundation of Florence. Some of the most notable pieces at the museum include the sculptures from the Baptistery doors and the mosaics from the demolished Basilica di San Saggio. The museum also features architectural fragments from the construction of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, models of the church, and photographs.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 230 2885
6 Accademia Gallery (Museums in Florence)
The Accademia Gallery is one of the most prominent museums in Florence. It houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Italian Renaissance art. The gallery was established in 1784 to house the artwork of renowned artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. The museum showcases the works of these artists and those of other significant Italian artists. The exhibits include sculptures, paintings, drawings, and architectural designs. Among the most significant works of art are Michelangelo’s David and The Battle of Anghiari, Raphael’s The School of Athens, and Titian’s Bacchus and Organ Concert.
Address: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 098 7100
7 Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Museums in Florence)
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is one of the best museums in Florence. It houses a large collection of ancient artifacts from various periods. The museum was inaugurated in 1891 to house the archaeological finds from the excavations done in Florence. The museum is known for its collection of Etruscan art, which dates back to the 8th century BCE. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts from other cultures as well. The exhibits include sculptures, pottery, and coins. Some of the most significant pieces include the bronze statue of the “Victory of Samothrace”, the bronze statue “Venus of Milo”, and the “Venus of Capodimonte”.
Address: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 9b, 50121 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 23575
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8 Museo Bellini
Museo Bellini is a small but beautiful museum dedicated to the work of the Italian Renaissance painter, Giovanni Bellini. The museum is located inside the Palazzo Pitti and was established in 1911. It’s one of the few museums in Florence that houses exclusively Italian works of art. The Museo Bellini is an excellent place to learn more about the history of art and Renaissance culture. It’s one of the lesser-known museums in Florence and is a great place to explore the rich history of art in this city. It’s an excellent place to visit for both beginners and experts in the art.
Address: Lungarno Soderini, 5, 50124 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 214031
9 Museo Salvatore Ferragamo (Museums in Florence)
The Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the best museums in Florence. It holds a large collection of artifacts showcasing the history of the famed shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo. The museum was inaugurated in 2012 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company. It is located in the historic Palazzo Spini Ferroni, which was once the home of the Ferragamo family. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including photographs and shoes from the 1920s to the present, vintage Ferragamo advertisements, and a collection of Ferragamo family artifacts.
Address: Piazza di Santa Trinita, 5R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 356 2846
10 Palatine Gallery at Palazzo Pitti
As one of the best museums in Florence, the Palatine Gallery at Palazzo Pitti exhibits a wide range of paintings and sculptures. The museum is situated inside the Pitti Palace and was inaugurated in 1910. It is one of the largest museums in Italy, hosting around 15,000 pieces of artwork. The museum’s collection includes works of art by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. Some of the most notable exhibits include Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch, Leonardo’s Virgin and Child with St. Anne, and Botticelli’s The Mystic Nativity.
Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 23885
11 Palazzo Strozzi (Best Museums in Florence)
Palazzo Strozzi is a 15th-century architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Florence. The palace is home to a highly regarded art museum, housing a large collection of Italian Renaissance paintings. The museum was established in the 1930s and features works by renowned artists such as Piero Della Francesca, Sandro Botticelli, Andrea del Sarto, Filippo Lippi, and Benozzo Gozzoli. Among the most significant paintings at the museum are Sandro Botticelli’s Portrait of a Young Man, Filippo Lippi’s Saint Jerome, and Piero Della Francesca’s The Virgin and Child with the Infant John the Baptist.
Address:Piazza degli Strozzi, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 264 5155
12 Bargello Museum (Best Museums in Florence)
Bargello Museum is one of the best museums in Florence that has a vast collection of Medieval and Renaissance sculptures. Bargello Museum is one of the best museums in Florence because of its wide collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures. Moreover, it is the official museum of the Tuscan sculptor Michelangelo. Michelangelo, who is one of the most renowned artists in the world and not just in Florence, is known for his sculptures in the Vatican. The Bargello Museum is situated in the southern part of the city and is about a 20-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella. The museum is also close to the Piazza Della Signoria, which is famous for the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace, and the Ponte Vecchio.
Address:Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 064 9440
13 Porcelain Museum Florence (Museums in Florence)
Porcelain Museum is one of the best museums in Florence if you want to explore the world of ceramics. It is located in the western part of Florence and is about a 15-minute walk from Santa Croce. This museum houses a collection of porcelain created in Florence from the 14th to the 20th century. The highlight of this museum is the collection of decorative ceramics from the first half of the 19th century. The Porcelain Museum is best visited if you are interested in the art of ceramics because it has the world’s largest collection of Italian ceramics.
14 Museum of the Medici Chapels (Museums in Florence)
The Museum of the Medici Chapels is one of the best museums in Florence because it collects Renaissance art. This museum is located in the southern part of Florence, which is a 10-minute walk from the Piazza Della Signoria. The Museum of the Medici Chapels was built to house the tombs of the first two Medici rulers, Giovanni and Lorenzo the Great. Along with the graves, this museum also has paintings by renowned artists from the 15th century. The Museum of the Medici Chapels is best visited if you are interested in Renaissance art because it has a collection of paintings by artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and others.
Address: 50125 Florența, Provincia Florența, Italia
15 Gucci Garden (Museums in Florence)
Gucci Garden is one of the best museums in Florence because of the famous “Red and Blue” installation. This garden, which is located in the southern part of the city, was created by renowned Italian artist and designer, Mario Gucci. The “Red and Blue” installation is the highlight of this museum and is a must-see for every art lover. The museum also has a terrace that is equipped with rotating chairs and a café. The Gucci Garden is best visited if you are interested in contemporary art because it has a collection of sculptures and art installations by renowned artists.
Address: P.za della Signoria, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 7592 7010
16 San Marco Museum (Museums in Florence)
San Marco Museum is one of the best museums in Florence because it is dedicated to the works of the famous painter, Domenico Bernini. This museum is located in the northern part of the city, which is a 5-minute walk from the Piazza del Limbo. The San Marco Museum houses the works of Domenico Bernini, who is considered one of the best sculptors of all time. Along with Bernini’s works, the museum also has paintings by the renowned artist, Titian.
The San Marco Museum is best visited if you are interested in the works of Domenico Bernini because it has a collection of his sculptures and paintings.
Address: Piazza San Marco, 3, 50121 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 088 2000
17 Museo Novecento Florence
Museo Novecento is one of the best museums in Florence that has a collection of art pieces by Italian artists. The Museo Novecento is home to a collection of art pieces by Italian artists from the 20th century. These artists include artists like De Chirico, Morandi, and Sarto. The museum also has a garden where you can enjoy the art pieces.
The Museo Novecento is best visited if you are interested in art from the 20th century because it has a collection of art pieces by renowned artists.
Address: P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 10, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 286132
18 Museo di Palazzo Davanzati (Museums in Florence)
The Museo di Palazzo Davanzati is one of the best museums in Florence because of the collection of art pieces from the 13th century. This museum is located in the northern part of the city, which is a 5-minute walk from the Piazza del Limbo. The Museo di Palazzo Davanzati was a house before it was converted into a museum. It houses a collection of art pieces and artifacts that belonged to the noble family, Davanzati. The highlights of this museum are medieval and Renaissance art pieces, pottery, and terracotta figures. The Museo di Palazzo Davanzati is best visited if you are interested in art pieces from the 13th century because it has a collection of art pieces from the 13th century.
Address: Via Porta Rossa, 13, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
📞 +39 055 064 9460
19 Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Museums in Florence)
Leonardo da Vinci Museum This museum is dedicated to the Renaissance polymath, Leonardo da Vinci. The museum features a permanent collection of Leonard’s sketches and paintings, his scientific inventions, and his selection of notebooks. Leonardo’s Last Supper, which is one of the most famous and well-known paintings, is displayed in this museum. Other exhibits include the Virgin of the Rocks and Leonardo’s notebooks, available in the original language and with English translations.
Visitors can get a glimpse into the life and times of Leonardo da Vinci and his artistic innovations by exploring this museum.
Address: Via del Castellaccio, 1, 50121 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 202 9901
20 Galileo Museum Florence (Museums in Florence)
The museum is dedicated to Galileo Galilei, the famous astronomer, physicist, and mathematician. The museum is located inside the former convent of Santi Severini, which has been transformed into a museum. The museum showcases various scientific instruments, such as a telescope, clocks, a magnetometer, and a pendulum. It also contains Galileo’s telescopes, which are displayed in the same room where he carried out his research. The museum also contains numerous works of art, literary works, and medical instruments that belonged to Galileo’s family.
The museum is open throughout the year, with extended hours during the summer season.
Address: Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 265311
21 Stibbert Museum Florence (Best Museums in Florence)
Stibbert Museum is a unique and eclectic art and artifact museum that features a wide range of collections. It is located in a 19th-century palazzo in the Florence neighborhood of Peruzzi. The museum showcases a wide range of collections, including musical instruments, paintings, and rare archaeological finds. The paintings displayed in the museum are works from Renaissance, Baroque, and Medieval periods.
Visitors can also explore Stibbert’s Garden of Plants and Scipio’s Spa, which are located on the museum premises.
Address: Via Federico Stibbert, 26, 50134 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 475520
22 STEFANO BARDINI Museum
Stefano Bardini Museum is a small but fascinating art museum showcasing a collection of toys and puppets from various parts of the world. The museum has been housed in a 19th-century building since 1953, and it features a wide variety of toys and puppets, such as Chinese shadow puppets, African dolls, and Japanese kites. It is a great place to visit with children and also makes for a fun family outing.
The museum is a great place to understand toys’ evolution and their significance in different cultures.
Address: Via dei Renai, 37, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 234 2427
23 Boboli Gardens Florence (Best Museums in Florence)
Here you will find a downright fabulous Historical Park of Florence. It represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The large green area is a real open-air museum. Here you will find statues of different styles and periods, ancient and Renaissance, which are distributed throughout the garden, fountains, and large caves, among which the splendid grotto Buontalenti was built by the artist Bernardo Buontalenti.
Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 23885
24 Museo degli Innocenti Florence
Museo degli Innocenti showcases a wide range of artistic and historical artifacts. The museum is located in a 16th-century building inside the Santa Maria Novella complex. The museum showcases a wide range of objects and artifacts that are a part of the history of the Santa Maria Novella church and monastery. Visitors can also explore a collection of stained glass, tapestries, and an art gallery that houses a wide range of paintings.
Museo degli Innocenti is a great place to understand the rich history of the Santa Maria Novella and the art and culture of Florence.
Address: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 13, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 203 7122
25 Museum of Still Life Florence (Best Museums in Florence)
Museum of Still Life is a museum that houses a vast collection of curious artifacts, such as medical tools, minerals, and paintings. The museum showcases a wide range of objects and items, such as the human skull, a medieval skull, an antique skeleton, and an old pharmacy. Visitors can also explore a wide range of paintings, such as a still life by Paolo and Gian Battista Sassi.
The Museum of Still Life is a great place to understand Florence’s rich history and culture.
Address: Villa Medici at Poggio a Caiano
📞+39 055 877012
26 Brancacci Chapel
Brancacci is a chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence. It is also called the”Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance” because of its cycle of painting, among the most famous and influential of the period.
Good to know: Public access is currently obtained through the neighboring monastery, designed by Brunelleschi.
Address:Piazza del Carmine, 14, 50124 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 276 8224
27 Museo Marino Marini Florence
Musée Marino Marini is dedicated to the work of the Italian sculptor, painter, and poet Marino Marini. The museum houses a prominent collection of artworks spanning from the early 1950s to the early 2000s. The museum also hosts a variety of educational and research-based activities, including seminars, conferences, workshops, and symposia.
Musée Marino Marini is an excellent place to learn more about the life and work of the artist, as well as gain an appreciation for the art of sculpture. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, which are a great way to discover new artists and their work.
If you’re in Florence and are interested in art, this museum is a must-visit. It’s excellent for both beginners and experts in the art. This is one of the best museums in Florence, thanks to its wide variety of exhibitions and educational programs.
Address: Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 219432
29 Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence
Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence is a unique and historic place of worship that has been transformed into a museum. This beautiful building was once a synagogue that served the Jewish community of Florence. By the early 1990s, the synagogue had fallen into disrepair. In 1994, it was purchased by the Comune di Firenze and was subsequently converted into a museum. The museum is an excellent example of the history of the Jewish people in Florence, as well as Jewish culture and religion. The museum houses many artifacts, including rare books, manuscripts, and paintings. It also has an archaeological section that contains remnants of a synagogue that were discovered during restoration work.
The Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence is a rare sight and a must-visit for anybody interested in Jewish history. The museum is excellent for both beginners and experts in the art.
Address: Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 6, 50121 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 234 6654
29 Tesoro dei Granduchi Florence (Best Museums in Florence)
The Tesoro dei Granduchi is a small museum that houses a collection of precious and rare items. The building has served as a royal residence, museum, and now, treasury. It was commissioned in the 16th century by the Medici family. The Grand Duke’s Treasury is famous for its collection of rare coins, medals, and jewels. It’s one of the oldest museums in Florence and has been open to the public since 1879. The Grand Duke’s Treasury is an excellent place to explore the history of art and jewelry. It’s also a great place to learn more about the Medici family and their importance in Florence’s history. This is one of the lesser-known museums in Florence and is worth a visit.
Address: Pitti Palace, Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 294883
30 Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure (Best Museums in Florence)
The Museo Opificio Delle Pietre Dure houses a collection of rare and exquisite examples of artistic stonework. The museum was established in the 16th century by the Guild of Stone Workers and WoodWorkers, who were also known as the Opificio Delle Pietre Dure. This guild was responsible for the creation of many of Florence’s artistic architectural masterpieces. The guild commissioned artists and architects to create works of art out of stone and wood. These pieces were then used to decorate churches, palaces, and other important buildings. The guild’s museum continues to display a collection of artistic stonework, including sculptures, reliefs, and architectural elements. It’s an excellent place to learn more about the history of art and architecture in Florence.
Address: Via Degli Alfani, 78, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
📞+39 055 26511
The Renaissance left an indelible mark on the history of art and culture. During this period, Florence hosted some of the greatest artists who redefined the standards of beauty and aesthetics in their respective fields. These artists were not only masters of their craft, but also epitomes of creativity.
These brilliant minds continue to inspire us today with their work. So much so that there are museums dedicated exclusively to housing the sculptures, paintings, and other creations of these individuals.
To get a taste of this historical period and its influential artists, Download Framey App!
