Location: Oltrarno
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What to do and see in Oltrarno, Tuscany: The Best Specialty Museums
Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.
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1. Museo di Simbologia Massonica
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
2. Palazzo Pitti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,738 reviews
A complex of art museums housing some of the most celebrated treasures in the city..
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The palace, which houses several important museums, was built in the second half of the 15th century by project of Filippo Brunelleschi for rich banker Luca Pitti. Pitti's intention was to build a palace that would overshadow Palazzo Medici. However, the building could not really be compared to the size or luxury of the Medici family palace. Luca Pitti died in 1472 and the construction remained unfinished. The architectural significance of this palace lies in its simplicity and strict lines. The stone facade is roughly finished in a rural style. The original building, formed by two floors and the ground floors, with only five windows on each floor, was purchased in 1550 by Eleonora da Toledo, the wife of the Grand Duke Cosimo I de'Medici, thus becoming the official residence of the family. The later rulers of these lineage are upgraded palace and arranged gardens around it (Boboli Park). Most of the upgrades date from the 17th and early 18th centuries. As regards the domestic life inside the palace, it is know that it was the home of several components of the family who were distributed in different private apartments. The rooms on the left wing belonged to the Grand Duke, while those on the right side were used by the heir. The lateral wings housed the apartments of their wives. The rooms on the second floor contained the large library, while the side rooms were used for the children. The left side on the ground floor housed the apartment that the Grand Duke used in summer. An important detail of history is the fact that Anna Maria Luisa de 'Medici (11 August 1667 - 18 February 1743) was the last heiress of the House of Medici. She was the patron of the arts, and she decided to donate the Medici's large and rich collection, including the contentsof the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti and the Medicean villas which inherited after the death of her brother Gian Gastone in 1737, and her Palatine treasures to the Tuscan State, on the a condition that no part of it could be removed from Florence. During the nineteenth century, the Pitti Palace was used by Napoleon Bonaparte and later was the residence of the King of United Italy. In 1919, the palace, with its rich artistic treasures, was donated to the Italian people by King Vitorio III Emanuel. Today, the palace and the Boboli gardens house the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Costume Gallery, the Porcelain Museum and the Museum of Carriages. They include works by Titian, Giorgione, Rafael and Rubens, among others.
3. Cappella Brancacci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 640 reviews
The church and convent of the Carmine in Florence were founded shortly after the middle of the thirteenth century, by a group of Carmelite monks from Pisa. In the church we find the Brancacci Chapel, a masterpiece known around the world for its frescoes of the Life of Saint Peter by Masaccio and Masolino. Created between 1425-1427, the frescoes were left incomplete and finished by Filippino Lippi between 1481 and 1482
Reviewed By jennyf818 - Montreal, Canada
The Chapel is definitely worth seeing,as the frescoes are breath-taking. Much of the Church is cordoned off due to restorations but do not let that prevent you from visiting. As small as the Chapel is, the frescoes run the length and breadth of the walls - an absolute marvel to see! An audio/video guide is also provided to further elaborate on the works of art in the Chapel.
4. Museo Roberto Capucci
5. Museo Stefano Bardini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
The museum is named after its creator, Stefano Bardini (1854-1922), the most authoritative Italian antiquarian, who transformed his collection into a museum.The Museo Bardini houses over 2,000 items, including sculptures, paintings and the applied arts, from ancient art to the eighteenth century, with the majority from Middle Ages and Renaissance. Among the most significant works are the Madonna della Mela and the Madonna dei Cordai by Donatello, Saint Michael Archangel by Antonio del Pollaiolo.
6. Casa Museo Rodolfo Siviero
7. Museo Della Moda e del Costume
8. Tesoro dei Granduchi
9. Alessandro Dari Gioielli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
In one of the major Italian historical settings, the wonderful city of Florence, which has always been a forge of innovative movements of thought and cradle of revolutionary visions of the relationship between Man and the Universe, the artistic works come to life of Alessandro Dari, master in jewellery arts, sculptor and musician.
10. Stories at the Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Stories at the Museum opens the doors of art museums to children and gives them the oportunity to experience art in a fun and educational way.what?An art awareness program that turns museums into a children-friendly environment, using notable works of art as a jumping point to discovering their passion for art.How?Through weekly Stories at the Museum, children will be introduced to new works of art together with storytelling and hands-on projects. They will become not only familiar with the masterpieces, but frequent museum visits will also become a normal and enjoyable activity.When?From October to December 2013, Stories at the Museum will welcome children to the Bardini Museum once a week from 16:30 to 18:00. All activities will be held in English.Ages 7-10 on Mondays.Ages 4-6 on Wednesdays.Why?Because Florence Explorers believes art and literature is an essential part of childhood, and with Stories at the Museum, children are given the opportunity to expand their imaginations and their art awareness.Who?Lina Martinez, born in Colombia, raised in D.C. International nomad. BA in Art History, BFA in Visual Arts. Art History professor, Museologist and Mom.Annie Campbell, born in Missouri. Art and book nerd. BA in English Literature, BFA in Art. MA in Mixed Media. 10+ years kid experience. Loves hanging out in the museum.Last DetailsCost per individual visit: 30 eurCost per 4 visits of your choice: 100 eurFor more info and enrollment:Lina Martinez
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