In 1784 Florence’s Accademia Gallery was founded by Leopold II, the Grand Duke of Tuscany as a teaching facility for students of Fine Art. Today, it is home to an incredible number of masterpieces from the period between 1300 and 1600, notably works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Titian. Most famously of all the Accademia g allery of Florence is home to the stunning sculpture of the biblical hero David before his battle with Goliath by the world famous and renowned Michelangelo. Visitors are enthralled and mesmerised by the epic masterpieces on display and it’s easy to see why the museum is the second most visited art museum in Italy, after the Uffizi.

Florence's Accademia gallery & Michelangelo’s David

In Florence, the Galleria dell’Accademia is home to Michelangelo's famous David, a symbol of artistic perfection; four unfinished Prisoner statues and a statue of Saint Mathew. Other works include masterpieces from Giambologna, Lo Scheggia, and Nardo di Cione and even a section dedicated to musical instruments. Join us as we discover the history of Michelangelo’s David as well as a more in-depth look at some of the masterpieces on show.

David: the world’s greatest sculpture

The statue of David is one of the most famous statues in the world. It was commissioned to Michelangelo in 1501 by the Arte della Lana who were responsible for the upkeep and restoration of Florence’s Cathedral. Sculpted from a single block of white marble, which had in fact been worked 50 years previously by Donatello. Michelangelo steered away from the traditional imagery of David, by depicting him in his pre battle innocence. The masterpiece beautifully depicts High Renaissance Art in Florence and represents the power and beauty of youth.

Where is Michelangelo’s David?

Located within the Tribune which is possibly the most popular hall in the whole museum, designed by the architect Giuseppe Martelli. The hall was built especially to house David, as before the statue was out in the open in the Piazza della Signoria.

Other masterpieces at Florence's Accademia gallery

The museum is home to hundreds of important works of art that have impacted and changed the world. Tuscan paintings from the 13th to the 16th centuries decorate the walls, visitors can enjoy works of art from Giotto, Andrea del Sarto, Paolo Uccello as well as many temporary exhibitions. Here are just a handful of the most important and spectacular works of art on display:

• Rape of the Sabines: a masterpiece by Giambologna and carved from a single piece of marble depicting three intertwined figures.
• Coronation of the Virgin: a panel painting by Jacopo di Cione, beautifully embellished with gold with deep religious sentiment.
• Slaves: a series of 4 unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo, symbolizing the struggle of humans to rid themselves of material things.
• Tree of Life: a wooden panel painting representing Salvation as well as other gifts to humankind, each branch representing the life of Christ.
• Trinity: a monumental depiction of the Trinity by Nardo di Cione located inside the central panel of the polyptych.
• Cassone Adimari: a painting of a wedding party in Florence with dancing guests and placed on the front panel of a bridal chest by the artist Lo Scheggia.

Musical instruments at the Accademia gallery

The museum is now home to the ‘Museo degli strumenti musicali,’ a collection of over 50 historic musical instruments. An impressive collection of musical instruments made by Stradivari, Amati and Cristofori. Among the instruments on show are an original condition viola Stradivari, and a cello. Visitors can learn about the invention of the piano and the history of music in the Florentine court.

Shop & Fly at Fiumicino airport

As you prepare to explore the Accademia g allery of Florence, remember that your passage through Rome Fiumicino airport can become an opportunity for comfort: with Shop&Fly you can buy everything you need online and collect it on the day of departure. And there's more: take advantage of the 10% discount on your online purchases, not combinable with other offers, to make your journey even more enjoyable.

Transport from Fiumicino airport

At Fiumicino airport you will also find excellent transport connections for travel into Rome for easy onward travel to other major Italian cities including Florence. The train station located near the arrivals and departure terminals offer regular connections to Rome. There are also bus services and private transfer services that will take you to the heart of Rome, quickly and stress free.

A visit to the Accademia g allery is a must stop while in Florence. Home to hundreds of masterpieces by the world’s most prominent and famous artists, including paintings and sculptures. Breathtaking statues such as Michelangelo’s David, have left visitors spellbound for generations.

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