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Bargello Museum
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When:
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Daily
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Where:
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Bargello Museum
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| Costs: |
€4; concessions €2
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| Opening Hours: |
8.15am-1.50pm
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The Bargello National Museum houses a collection of sculpture, textiles, armour and other decorative arts, including Donatello's famous bronze David. Exhibits draw on the whole of Florence's modern history and date back to the beginnings of the Florentine Renaissance.
The museum's highly representative selection of sculptural art includes important works by Donatello and the Della Robbia family, and there are also pieces by Michelangelo, Cellini and Gianbologna.
Just as impressive are the collections of textiles and decorative arts, incorporating three extensive late-19th century private collections: the Carrand (Renaissance and Gothic material culture, including medallions, mirrors and textiles), Ressman (arms and armour) and Franchetti (textiles) collections.
The building itself is the oldest surviving seat of government in the city, dating from 1255, when it was known as the Palazzo del Popolo. It was initially the residence of the Captain of the People, the elected supreme government officer, who was in charge for a year. Over the years it became the seat of a series of different public officials. It derives its present name from the 16th century, when it was the residence of the Bargello, the Captain of the Justice in charge of mantaining law and order in the city.
Please visit the museum's website for details of opening days, as they can vary.
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