Bargello National Museum

Behind the walls of the Palazzo del Bargello, which dates back to 1255, important historical events in the history of Florence have taken place.

The building remains of great significance today, as it houses the Bargello National Museum, which boasts one of the world’s most important collections of sculpture.

Since the mid-19th century, the imposing city palace in the center of Florence has served as an exhibition space for the works of famous sculptors such as Donatello (1386–1466) and Michelangelo (1475–1564). The focus is on Tuscan Renaissance sculptures and artifacts from the Gothic and medieval periods. Busts, reliefs, and sculptures are displayed across three floors of the palace. In its inner courtyard, visitors can admire sculptures made from various materials such as marble, bronze, and terracotta.

A historical and artistic treasure

But the museum has even more to offer: in addition to the sculptors’ works, the magnificently decorated halls and rooms also contain ivory objects, medieval enamels, goldsmith’s work, jewelry, Venetian glass, and other rare treasures. Particularly noteworthy is the large collection of medals and weapons from the influential Italian Medici dynasty, which produced grand dukes, popes, and queens who lived between the 15th and 18th centuries.