The 16 Best Museums in Florence, Italy [2024]

Florence is a cultural hub that draws visitors of all ages from around the world. The city has so many exhibits that you could fill an entire trip with its galleries alone. From enjoying the best of Italy’s greatest artists to learning about history, there’s a museum for everyone in Firenze.

To kick-start your planning, here’s a list of the best.

The Best Museums in Florence

1. Galleria d’Arte Moderna (Gallery of Modern Art)

In the Pitti Palace‘s museum complex, and in association with the Uffizi Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art houses numerous works of art by Italian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. The newest pieces displayed in the exhibit were completed as recently as the 1930s.

Some of the museum’s most important pieces include “Solaria at Giubbe Rosse” by Baccio Maria Bacci, “Expulsion of the Duke of Athens” by Stefano Ussi, and “At the Fountain” by Egisto Ferroni. However, not all of the gallery’s pieces are on display at once, with many of its oldest pieces kept in the archives save for special exhibitions.

Paintings make up the majority of the collection, but sculptures and other pieces are also housed on the premises. Notably, many styles of art are represented, as well. Guided tours are also available upon request. Florence’s Gallery of Modern Art even offers free entry to everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

Admission is free for children under 18. Tickets start at €18 (~$19), depending on the day of your visit. EU citizens between 18 and 25 pay half-price. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Pitti.

• Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI

Hot Tip:

You’ve got to get to Italy to visit these museums. Read our guide to the best ways to fly to Italy on points and miles.

2. Galleria Degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery)

Considered to be Florence’s most important art museum, the Uffizi Gallery is famous around the world. It’s also the most-visited museum in Italy, with over 2 million annual visitors. At any given time, over 2,200 works of art are on display in the museum’s 100 exhibit rooms. However, thousands more items are housed in the archives or even lent out to other facilities around the country and the rest of the world.

Some of the many highlights in the museum are “Perseus Freeing Andromeda” by Piero di Cosimo, “Judith and Holofernes” by Artemesia Gentileschi, and “Self Portrait as a Young Man” by Rembrandt.

All of the work in the gallery can be traced back to between the 13th and 18th centuries and ranges from costumes and jewelry to traditional paintings and sculptures. Keep in mind that Uffizi’s halls are particularly crowded on the first Sunday of the month when admission is free.

Admission is free for children under 18 and visitors with disabilities, €2 (~$2) for EU residents under 26, and €25 (~$27) for adults. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The nearest bus stop is Florence Galleria Degli Uffizi.

• Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI

3. La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (Accademia Gallery)

Florence’s Accademia Gallery first opened in 1784. Since then, it’s become one of the city’s most important art museums.

The exhibit houses numerous works of art from Italy’s master artists between the 13th and 16th centuries. Michelangelo, in particular, is honored, as the space has been home to the authentic David sculpture since 1873. The version on display to the general public in Piazza della Signoria is just a replica.

In addition to paintings and statues, the museum houses an entire wing of antique musical instruments, including original Stradivarius pieces, on permanent loan from the Florence Conservatory. An archive of historical documents is also on the property.

Some highlighted pieces in the collection are the sculptures Portrait of Giovan Battista Niccolini by Lorenzo Bartolini, the sculpture Young Boy With Dog by Luigi Pampaloni, and the painting “Dancing Scene” by Lo Scheggia. This space also houses temporary exhibitions with work on loan from other collections and museums.

Admission is free for children under 18, architecture and cultural preservation students and teachers, EU interpreters and tour guides, researchers, and journalists. It’s €2 (~$2) for visitors 18 to 25 and €16 (~$17) for everyone else. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Battisti San Marco.

• Address: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI

4. Museo Casa di Dante (House of Dante)

The House of Dante aims to preserve the life and career of one of Florence’s most important historical residents and one of the titans of Western culture, Dante Alighieri, the author of “The Divine Comedy.”

This museum is split across 3 floors. Its first floor showcases documents and historical information about Florence during the 1200s and what Dante’s early life in the city would have been like. This space also represents some of Florence’s most important historical events from the period through replicas and models.

The second floor recounts Dante’s exile from Florence and his life in Ravenna. On the third floor are a number of documents and art pieces that depict Dante, his life, and his most important works, including depictions of scenes from the “Divine Comedy” itself. This museum presents various special events throughout the year, including tours by guides in medieval costumes and workshops for people of all ages.

Admission is free for children under 6, €5 (~$5) for children 7 to 18, and €8 (~$8) for adults. From November to March, the museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From April to October, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Canto Alla Quarconia.

• Address: Museo Casa di Dante, Via Santa Margherita, 1, 50122 Firenze FI

5. Museo degli Innocenti

Museo degli Innocenti was once an orphanage, but it’s a renowned art museum today. The museum is broadly divided into 3 different wings for art, history, and architecture, showcasing works from both famous and more obscure artists throughout history. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, the facility regularly hosts exhibitions during the year that delve deeper into the work of both historical and contemporary artists.

It also houses an educational center, La Bottega dei Ragazzi, which hosts workshops, lectures, and other activities for children 3 and up. These activities allow kids to take a hands-on approach to learning about the art world.

Conferences and other prestigious gatherings are regularly hosted on-site, as well. While most events are held in Italian, information and staff who can speak English are also available with advance notice. There’s even a cafe on the premises, so you can take your time exploring the different exhibits.

Admission is free for children under 11, visitors with disabilities, literature and philosophy university students, and journalists, €6 (~$6) for children between 11 and 18 and those over 65, and €9 (~$10) for adults. Additional fees apply for exhibitions. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Colonna Museo Archeologico.

• Address: Piazza della SS. Annunziata, 13, 50122 Firenze FI

“The Museo degli Innocenti is located in the monumental complex designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, specifically to house children without families. The Museum was renovated in 2016 with the aim of providing an organic description of this ancient institution: the documents, works and architecture of the historical hospital create an extraordinary ensemble that is unique in the museum scene today.”

Arabella Natalini, scientific director of the Museo degli Innocenti

6. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Opera del Duomo Museum)

Considered to be a sort of museum within a museum, the Opera del Duomo Museum, located in its namesake, the Duomo church, houses both historical and artistic artifacts. Many of the church’s original works of art are preserved here. This collection includes the sculptures that adorned its exterior alongside paintings, manuscripts, reliquaries, and other items once used in the cathedral.

Some of Italy’s most important Renaissance artists are represented in the museum. Some highlights include the sculptures The Deposition by Michelangelo and Young Prophet by Donatello. This museum is spread across 3 floors and 28 different rooms, making it one of the largest in-church museums in the country.

Notably, the museum has made strides in recent years to offer better accessibility to visitors with mobility issues. Visitors with mobility concerns are welcome to call the museum for extra accommodations and to request free admission.

The museum is part of Piazza Duomo, which includes 5 monuments. There are 3 passes available, and the cheapest that includes the museum is the Ghiberti Pass. The pass is free for children under 6, €5 (~$5) for children 7 to 14, and €15 (~$16) for adults. The museum is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Oriuolo Duomo.

• Address: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI

7. Museo delle illusioni Firenze

Florence’s Museo delle illusioni Firenze (Florence Illusion Museum), is one of the most unique exhibit spaces in the city. These spaces house a series of displays that help bring illusions and perspective tricks to life. This museum only houses permanent exhibits. However, the museum is always changing to add new wings.

Museo delle Illusioni’s space is roughly divided into 2 different types of exhibit areas. The first houses smaller-scale displays, like trick pictures and illusions that play with the light. Its other consists of immersive sets that allow visitors to jump into the illusions for themselves. Some favorites include a set that seems to play with gravity and one that looks as if you’ve stepped into a drawing.

The exhibit is family-friendly, even for those who have sensitivities to stimuli. Pictures are also welcome, and there are no time limits per visit, so you can spend as long as you’d like exploring.

Admission is free for children under 3, €6 (~$6) for children 3 to 6, €13 (~$14) for students and seniors, and €17 (~$18) for adults. There is a €4 (~$4) charge for reserving a time slot online. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Proconsolo.

• Address: Borgo degli Albizi, 29, 50122 Firenze FI

8. Museo di Palazzo Davanzati

Part of the Bargello group of museums, the Museo di Palazzo Davanzati aims to recreate what a 14th-century home in Florence would have looked like. However, there are also furnishings from the 15th, 16th, and even 19th centuries. A number of the home’s rooms have been prepared as if still lived in. Some favorite exhibits are the courtyard, bedroom, and parrot room.

In addition to decorative items like furniture and bedding, the museum houses a number of artistic pieces, such as Bust of Young Boy by Antonio Rossellino and a genealogical tree of the Davanzati family, who used to reside on the premises.

Though many of the on-site staff only speak Italian, most visitor’s information is available in English to accommodate people from around the world. Guided tours are also available throughout the week at no extra cost.

Admission is €2 (~$2) for visitors 18 to 25 with the 18app (a cultural app for 18-year-old residents in Italy) and €6 (~$6) for adults. The museum is open Tuesday to Thursday from 8:15 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 1:15 to 6:50 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Porta Rossa.

• Address: Via Porta Rossa, 13, 50123 Firenze FI

9. Museo di Storia Naturale, Antropologia e Etnologia (Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology)

Part of the University of Florence, the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology is one of the most comprehensive exhibits of its kind in the world. With over 25,000 artifacts collected from around the world, the museum creates a surprisingly comprehensive timeline of the different eras of civilization.

Skeletal remains of early homo sapiens, idols, masks, and other items from different prehistoric and historic cultures, and photos of archeological digs are just a few of the items housed at the facility. The museum even houses a variety of scientific tools and instruments that have been used throughout history for anthropological, archeological, and ethnological studies.

It can be divided into 5 different collections, each specially curated by a member of the university’s faculty. A full archive of reference and educational texts is also housed on the property, though this area can only be visited upon special request.

Admission is free for children under 6, €3 (~$3) for children 6 to 14 and seniors 65 and over, and €6 (~$6) for adults. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Proconsolo.

• Address: Via del Proconsolo, 12, 50122 Firenze FI

10. Museo Galileo

As its name would lead visitors to believe, the Museo Galileo is dedicated to Galileo Galilei’s life, career, and discoveries. Museo Galileo even has artifacts and documents used by the historical scientist and astronomer himself.

The museum is divided into 2 main collections. Its Medici collection consists of 9 rooms that house many of Galileo’s telescopes, lenses, thermometers, and globes. Many of these pieces were used during his pioneering work.

The Lorraine collection consists of another 9 rooms that house other scientific instruments in the fields of electricity, chemistry, and anatomy, which were all collected by the Lorraine family in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A 5,000-piece library is also on-site and houses scientific texts and books that have been collected over the course of 500 years. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibits regarding different scientific topics during the year.

Admission is free for children under 6, €7 (~$7) for children 6 to 18, and €13 (~$14) for adults. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Galleria Degli Uffizi.

• Address: Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Firenze FI

11. Museo Horne (Horne Museum)

Since its first opening, the Horne Museum’s collection has grown to over 6,000 artworks, primarily acquired by the historian Herbert Percy Horne. Rather than focus on a particular art style, the museum houses pieces from the 14th and 15th centuries that range from tapestries to sculptures.

Highlighted from the museum include “Scenes from the Life of Saint Julian” by Masaccio, “Exorcism of a Possessed Woman” by Maestro di San Severino, and “Portrait of Herbert P. Horne” by Henry Harris Brown. This last work also happens to be one of the newest pieces in the collection, having been completed in 1908.

The museum is known and loved for its educational events, too. These activities are held throughout the year and aim to help people of all ages become interested in art. Many of these events are held primarily in Italian, though, so keep that in mind.

Admission is free for children under 3, €5 (~$5) for seniors 65 and over, visitors 3 to 26, and visitors with disabilities, and €7 (~$7) for adults. The museum is open Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Benci.

• Address: Via dei Benci, 6, 50122 Firenze FI

12. Museo Leonardo Da Vinci

The Museo Leonardo Da Vinci lets visitors learn about the work and life of the famous artist through interactive exhibits. Models of some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous sketches and inventions are brought to life for visitors to admire and, in some cases, even test out for themselves.

Though the museum has numerous hands-on exhibit displays for guests of all ages to test out, the space also hosts numerous workshops. These events delve deeper into Leonardo’s creativity by letting visitors attempt to make self-suspending bridges and gear mechanical systems and even put together their own inventions inspired by da Vinci’s work.

This exhibit is meant to be a self-guided experience, but the facility has knowledgeable on-site staff to answer any questions. Though the staff is primarily fluent in Italian, they can usually communicate in English, and most visitor information is in multiple languages.

Admission is €8 (~$8) for children 6 to 18, students up to age 21, and seniors 65 and over, and €10 (~$11) for adults. Group tickets are discounted. The museum is open from April to October from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily and from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from November to March. The nearest bus stop is Santa Maria Nuova.

• Address: Via del Castellaccio, 1r, 50121 Firenze FI

13. Museo Nazionale del Bargello (Bargello National Museum)

Bargello National Museum’s building was once used as army barracks, but since 1865, it’s been home to hundreds of works of art. Many of Italy’s greatest artists have pieces in its exhibits. Some of the gallery’s most important works of art are Bacchus by Michelangelo, Bust of Pietro Mellini by Benedetto da Maiano, and Donatellio’s iteration of David.

In addition to the traditional works of art displayed in the museum, the space also displays a sizable collection of decorative items, like ceramics, textiles, and coins. Since 1982, an entire wing has even been dedicated to Islamic art.

Bargello is also one of Italy’s most important exhibition spaces. It was the first gallery to be deemed a national museum dedicated to medieval and Renaissance art. Throughout the year, special galleries display pieces from the museum’s archives and works of art on loan from other facilities. 

Admission is free for children under 6, €7.75 (~$8) for visitors 6 to 17, €9.75 (~$11) for visitors with disabilities, and €15.75 (~$16) for adults. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 8:15 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Ghibellina Bargello.

• Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI

14. Museo Novecento

The Museo Novecento is a minimalist museum with a permanent exhibit dedicated to Italy’s artists of the 20th century. Since the museum opened in 2014, it’s amassed over 300 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, videos, photos, and other art installations, most of which are on display.

Some of the highlights from the collection are the sculptures Cavalli Marini by Lucio Fontana and L’attesa o Susanna by Arturo Martini and the painting “Ritratto di Domenico Giuliotti” by Ottone Rosai. However, the museum also regularly loans pieces from other museums and collections, with contemporary and international artists regularly represented in the space.

Many of these exhibitions have accompanying informational documentaries, though these are often only available in Italian. Special guided tours are also hosted for students or other young people interested in learning more about the art world. These tours are available in Italian, English, and French.

Admission is free for children under 18, interpreters, visitors with disabilities, and members, €4.50 (~$5) for students up to 25 years old, and €9.50 (~$10) for adults. The museum is open Friday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Piazza Degli Ottaviani.

• Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 10, 50123 Firenze FI

15. Museo Stibbert (Stibbert Museum)

With over 36,000 items in its collection, the Stibbert Museum is one of the city’s most important cultural museums. Housed in what was once the museum founder’s home are 57 rooms dedicated to exhibits.

Initially comprised of Stibbert’s private collection of antiquities, the museum has an eclectic assortment of artifacts on display. These items range from tapestries and leather pieces to porcelain and even clothing worn by Napoleon Bonaparte.

There are 7 main collections housed on the property: 3 dedicated to armor from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East; 2 dedicated to more typical works of art, with the first consisting of mostly oil paintings and the other of engraved items; a ceramic and porcelain collection; and a costume collection.

Since the museum is in what was once a residential building, it can be booked as an event venue for dinners and conferences with advance notice.

Admission is free for children under 4, €7 (~$7) for children 4 to 12, and €10 (~$11) for adults. The museum is open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Fabbroni Gioia.

• Address: Via Federico Stibbert, 26, 50134 Firenze FI

16. Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio is one of Florence’s most important buildings. It hosts conferences, lectures, and other important cultural event and is also an important exhibition center. While the structure is always worth visiting for its historic frescoes and sculptures, it routinely hosts a series of temporary galleries. These exhibitions range in topics from current events and culture to historic time periods.

Some favorite exhibits have included “Invitation to the Court,” “Life at Court,” and “Secret Passages.” Guided tours are also available for an in-depth visit experience. Additionally, the museum hosts workshops for people of all ages to help visitors cultivate an interest in art and creativity.

Most of these events and exhibits are available in English, French, and Italian. However, you may want to make specific tour reservations to ensure you are given a guide who can fluently speak your preferred language.

Admission is free for children under 18, visitors with disabilities, and tour guides, €10 (~$11) for visitors 18 to 25, and €12.50 (~$13) for adults. The museum is open Friday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Galleria Degli Uffizi.

• Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Florence Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. There is another option.

The Firenzecard costs €85 (~$92) and can be used to visit several of the city’s best exhibits and landmarks for up to 72 hours. The card offers access to the Palazzo Pitti galleries, the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio, the Stibbert Museum, the Stefano Bardini Museum, the Santa Maria Novella complex, and many more.

Participation is subject to change. Please verify which museums are participating before you go and what the entry conditions are before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Florence is one of Italy’s most artistic and historic cities. It’s home to some of the country’s most important collections, from fine arts museums to historical artifacts. We hope that this list has helped you narrow down all of the exhibits and galleries Florence offers so you can choose which ones interest you more.