Galleria Dell’Accademia, Florence
Galleria Dell’Accademia, Florence
5 minutes read•Published on 06-11-2024
Situated in the city of Florence in Italy is the esteemed Galleria dell'Accademia. Its fame largely comes from the collection of magnificent sculptures crafted by Michelangelo, a renowned Renaissance artist. Among all the exhibits, Michelangelo's statue of David stands out and attracts countless tourists globally each year. Additionally, the museum displays an array of paintings created by artists from Florence, a range of Russian icons, and a vast selection of other items dating back from the 13th to the 17th century.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Galleria Dell’Accademia, Florence with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Galleria dell'Accademia is a famous museum in Florence, Italy, where you can find Michelangelo's sculpture of David. This museum was started by Pietro Leopoldo, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, back in the year 1784. The original idea was to create a place where students of art could learn by studying the works of great artists. That purpose still holds true today as the Galleria dell'Accademia continues to support learning and appreciation of art.
It's worth noting that the Galleria is not just a museum. It became the home to the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence after it was established. This place is one of the most recognized art schools in Italy. For many years, the Galleria has played a key role in shaping of Italy's art world. Over the years, the museum has grown, adding more and more artworks. It transformed from a general museum to one specializing in art from the Middle Ages through to the 16th century.
One of the main reasons why the Galleria dell'Accademia is famous is because of the works of Michelangelo, particularly his sculpture called David. Michelangelo was a significant artist during the Renaissance period and his art is still admired today. In fact, seven of his works, including David, are going to be found in this museum. You can also find works of other famous artists like Sandro Botticelli, Andrea del Sarto, and Domenico Ghirlandaio there.
Today, the Galleria dell'Accademia is among the most visited museums in Italy. It continues to attract many people who are interested in art and want to see the beautiful works it houses. With its ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate the art of Italy, the museum has become a cherished part of Florence's cultural history.
One reason to visit
Michelangelos David can be seen at the Galleria dellAccademia, Florence.
The sculpture called David, made by Michelangelo, is a very famous piece of art that is displayed at the Galleria dellAccademia in Florence. Visiting the gallery to see this sculpture can be a good idea. Michelangelo made this statue from one piece of marble between the years 1501 and 1504. The statue shows a lot of detail and is made to look very real. It also shows that Michelangelo knew a lot about how the human body looks. People all around the world know about the statue of David, and they think of it as a symbol of strength and beauty. Seeing this statue up close can be something special to remember. It can be a good experience for anybody, not just people who are very interested in art.
Getting there
To get to the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence from the city center, start by heading towards Via dei Calzaiuoli, which is the main shopping street that runs through the heart of Florence. Please, always look out for the number plates on the buildings, as it is crucial for finding the right direction. Follow this road north until you reach the Florence Cathedral or 'Duomo' on your left, then take a left onto Via dei Servi. Continue on this street until you reach a large square known as Piazza Santissima Annunziata. From here, take a right onto Via Ricasoli, and you will find the Galleria dell'Accademia on your right at number 58. Keep in mind, it is a walking distance of approximately 20 minutes from the city center, so wear comfortable shoes!
To get to the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence by bike, start from the Piazza del Duomo and follow the Via dei Servi northwards until you reach the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. At this square, take a right turn onto Via Cesare Battisti which gradually changes into Via Ricasoli. You'll find the museum on your right side on Via Ricasoli after traveling around 500 meters. The total distance from Piazza del Duomo to Galleria dell'Accademia is approximately 1.3 km and the ride should take about 10 minutes, depending on your speed. Remember to follow all traffic regulations for bikes in the city.
To get to the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence by public transport, firstly, come to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, the main train station in Florence. From there, catch the C2 or 12 bus, which are found right outside the railway station. Pay attention as you need to get off at the Via Ricasoli bus stop, it's approximately a 15-minute ride away from the main station. The Galleria dell'Accademia is just a 2-minute walk from the bus stop, located at Via Ricasoli 60. To confirm the details, use the Google Maps route planner on your phone, and it will provide you with a detailed map indicating where exactly the buses will stop. Keep some coins for the bus ticket, which can be purchased on board.
Begin your drive to the Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence by entering 58 Via Ricasoli, 50122 Florence, Italy into your navigation system. You will need to travel on the A1 highway if you're coming from north or south. Please note that parking can be quite difficult in Florence, so it's advisable to park your car at Parcheggio Parterre parking area or the Fortezza Da Basso parking. From either of these locations, you can reach the Galleria dell'Accademia by foot in about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take Bus No.14 or Bus No.23 from the Fortezza Da Basso to the Galleria dell'Accademia.
