Florence is Tuscany’s jewel, set amongst rolling hills and known for its hearty cuisine. But more than that, Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance – an art city that shaped the course of history and culture. It’s home to some of the world’s most iconic masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, just to name a few.
When it comes to museums, visitors make a beeline for the “big two”: The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. These are must-visits on any Florence itinerary, but beyond these popular spots, the city is filled with a variety of smaller museums that I found equally as exciting.
On a recent trip, I was struggling to find a well-rounded list of Florence’s top museums, so I decided to create my ideal list. Here are 19 fantastic museums in Florence that I believe are worth your time. If you don’t have time to see them all – and let’s be honest, most of us can’t in one trip – I’ve listed my top 8 at the end of the article to help you prioritize.
Best Museums in Florence, Italy
1. Le Gallerie Degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery)
The Uffizi isn’t just one of the best museums in Florence—it’s also one of the most famous and most visited in the entire world. Its vast collection spans centuries, featuring paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages all the way to the 20th century.
Some of the Uffizi’s most famous masterpieces include The Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci, and The Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto.
A word of caution: the Uffizi is always busy, and you’ll likely find yourself vying for a front-row view alongside dozens of other tourists. With so many artworks to see and such large crowds, it can feel a bit overwhelming and exhausting.
To make your visit more enjoyable, I recommend booking an early morning tour to get ahead of the crowds. Alternatively, joining a guided tour—like this one—can make the experience far more engaging and worthwhile.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM. Tuesday from 8:15 AM to 10:00 PM. Closed Monday.
Tickets: Full-price tickets to the museum are €25 and should be purchased online at least a month or two in advance. All visitors under 18 get into the galleries for free. Check the official Uffizi website for updated hours and ticket prices.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, advanced booking is required.
2. Galleria dell’Accademia (Accademia Gallery)
If you’re a fan of Michelangelo’s work, this gallery is a must-visit. The Accademia Gallery houses the single largest collection of Michelangelo statues in the world — including the most famous of his pieces — the David statue.
As well as the extensive Michelangelo collection, the gallery is also home to a wide array of artwork by Italian painters such as Botticelli, Uccello, and more.
There is also a great collection of musical instruments on display in the museum. Some of which were made by members of the Stradivari family, a name which the stradivarius instrument was later named after.
Due to its immense popularity, it’s best to buy a ticket to the gallery well in advance. If tickets are sold out, you can usually find more skip-the-line tickets here. This is what I did during my most recent visit.
Tour: I highly recommend booking a tour of the Accademia with an expert guide.
Tickets: €16 at full price, and any visitors under 18 years old can get in for free. For more ticket info, visit the official website
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM (last entrance at 6:20 PM).
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, advance booking is required.
3. Palazzo Vecchio
Built in the 13th century, the Palazzo Vecchio is now the city hall of Florence. In addition to being the seat of the city government, it is also a museum open to visitors.
Inside the palace, you’ll find stunning frescoes, grand halls filled with artwork, and even the chance to explore secret passageways beneath the palace.
It’s a good idea to book your ticket in advance to avoid long wait times when you arrive.
Tickets: A ticket to the museum is €17.50 and can be bought online, the guided tour is an additional €5 on top of the base ticket price. Note that there are also special exhibitions from time to time which require their own separate ticket. Check the official Palazzo Vecchio website for up to date information on special exhibits and their prices.
Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, except for Thursdays when it closes at 2:00 PM.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
4. Palazzo Strozzi
Originally built to rival the Medici family, the Strozzi Palace is now a museum which hosts a rotation of exhibitions. To know what will be on display during your visit, check the official website here.
I’ve attended a couple of exhibitions here, and they’ve all been fantastic. The most recent one I saw was a showcase of Helen Frankenthaler, the brilliant American painter known for her vibrant abstract work.
Tickets: Full price tickets are €15. It’s strongly recommended that you buy tickets in advance, which can be done online. There are several reductions, including for families or kids.
Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM with extended hours until 11:00 PM on Thursdays.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no advance booking is required.
5. Palazzo Medici Riccardi (Medici Riccardi Palace)
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi is yet another Renaissance palace in Florence. It was owned by the Medici family and some of the greatest Italian renaissance painters worked within its walls.
That includes Boticelli, Donatello, Michelangelo, and more. The building is now used by the city for events, as well as a museum open to public visitors.
You can explore the lavish frescoed rooms and visit the the archaeological museum located in the palace basement. Most of the decor, artifacts, and artwork that were once in the palace have been moved to other Florence museums, so many of the rooms are empty of any original furnishings.
Instead, the palace plays host to temporary exhibits. You can see what will be on display during your trip to Florence by visiting the Palazzo’s official website.
Tickets: Full price tickets are €11.50 and can be purchased online. They are timed, so make sure to show up at the hour indicated. Advance reservation is not necessary.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Tuesday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Closed on Wednesdays.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no advance booking is required.
6. Bargello Museum
The Bargello Museum has a fascinating past. Built in the 13th century, it’s one of Florence’s oldest public buildings and once served as a barracks and prison.
Today, it’s one of the city’s best art museums, showcasing an incredible collection of Italian Renaissance sculptures, including masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, Giambologna, and others.
You do have to be careful when planning your visit here as the museum is only open in the mornings until 1:50 PM daily (closed on Tuesdays).
Opening Hours: The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 8:15 AM – 1:50 PM. Closed Tuesdays.
Tickets: €10 full price. You can purchase tickets in person. There is also free entry for everyone visiting on the first Sunday of each month. Check the museum’s official website for more info.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no advance booking is required.
7. Opera del Duomo Museum
Located in the Piazza del Duomo, the Opera del Duomo Museum is one of the most underrated museums in Florence. I was blown away by its extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures – the largest of its kind in the world.
The museum houses the original Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti, the gilded bronze doors that once adorned the baptistery. It’s the best way to get an up close look at the magnificent relief work without the usual crowds, as this museum is surprisingly quiet by Florence standards.
You’ll also find The Deposition by Michelangelo, works by Donatello, and detailed models of Brunelleschi’s dome. Don’t miss the terrace, which offers a fantastic close-up view of the dome.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Double check the timetables here.
Tickets: The museum is part of the Opera del Duomo Complex, which means you’ll have to buy a combined ticket in order to visit. The Ghiberti Pass is €15 and includes the baptistry, museum, and Santa Reparata. To visit the entire complex, purchase the Brunelleschi Pass which is €30 for adults. Buy your tickets well in advance online at the official website.
Included in the Firenze Card? No.
8. Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace)
The Pitti Palace is one of the many buildings in Florence that symbolizes the immense power and wealth of the Medici family during the Renaissance period and beyond.
Today, the palace is home to five separate museums:
- Treasury of the Grand Dukes
- Museum of Russian Icons
- Palatine Gallery
- Gallery of Modern Art
- Museum of Costume and Fashion
You can also visit the Imperial and Royal Apartments and the Palatine Chapel. With so much to see, plan to spend at least two hours here. You can also add on a visit to the Boboli Gardens located behind the palace – I highly recommend it.
Tickets: A single day ticket to all of the Pitti Palace museums is €10, or €14 if you want to include the Boboli Gardens You can also get a five-day ticket which combines the Uffizi and Pitti Palace for €18. Buy your tickets online in advance here.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6.30 PM. Closed Mondays. As of November 2024, the Imperial Apartments are closed for renovations. Make sure to check the official website for any closures during your visit and updates on the renovations.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
9. Loggia dei Lanzi
The Loggia dei Lanzi, located in Piazza della Signoria, is an open-air sculpture gallery worth a quick stop. Here, you can wander among impressive sculptures by artists like Giambologna and Cellini, many of which depict scenes of Roman gods and goddesses.
It is free to visit and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
10. Museo Nazionale di San Marco (San Marco Museum)
The San Marco Museum, housed within the 15th-century Convent of San Marco, is one of my favorite museums in Florence. Just a short walk from the Accademia Gallery, it’s often overlooked, which makes it all the more special.
The convent itself is a delight to explore, with its long hallways and peaceful cloisters. But the real highlight is the series of frescoes painted by Fra Angelico in the mid-15th century.
These stunning frescoes adorn the cells on the convent’s first floor. Step into each room to admire one of his magnificent scenes up close, paying attention to the intricate details, like the delicate wings of his figures. It’s truly worth a visit.
Tickets: The museum costs €8 and tickets can be purchased in person.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM. Closed Mondays. To confirm the schedule during your visit, check the museum’s official website.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
11. Galileo Museum
For a fascinating look at the history of scientific achievements, the Galileo Museum is a must-visit. It houses over a thousand scientific instruments developed and used by Italian greats like Galileo himself.
In addition to this impressive collection, you’ll find unique curiosities, including Galileo’s actual middle finger (yes, really) and interesting artifacts like the oldest celestial globe.
Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, except for Tuesdays when it closes at 1:00 PM.
Tickets: A full price ticket is €13, kids between six and 18 years old get in for €7, and under six year olds get free access. You can buy tickets in advance online or in person.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
12. Opificio delle Pietre dure Museum
This unique museum is entirely dedicated to mosaics and stone inlays. Though small, it does an excellent job showcasing impressive pieces like table tops, vases, and more.
Alongside the artwork, the museum offers plenty of insight into the techniques behind this craft, including a short film that explains the process.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this museum, but I ended up absolutely loving it. You can also visit some shops around Florence where artisans still practice this incredible art and even purchase your own piece.
Opening Hours: The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM. Closed Sundays.
Tickets: Full-price tickets are €6. Check the museum’s official website for additional information.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
13. Museo Stefano Bardini (Stefano Bardini Museum)
This museum showcases the collection of 19th-century antiquarian Stefano Bardini. It’s a trove of interesting artifacts from the 13th to 17th centuries, including tapestries, artworks, sculptures, furniture, and an amazing selection of musical instruments.
It’s a short visit, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I suggest pairing it with a stroll through the nearby Bardini gardens.
Tickets: Full-price tickets are €7.
Opening Hours: Summer hours, between June 1st and September 30th, Friday to Monday from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Winter hours, between October 1st to May 31st, Friday to Monday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM from. Check the museum’s official website for additional information.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
14. Museo Marino Marini (Marino Marini Museum)
The Marino Marini Museum is housed in a former church and features works by this 20th-century artist. The collection primarily showcases Marini’s sculptures, thoughtfully arranged to interact with the building’s architecture and natural light.
Opening Hours: The museum is open from Thursday through Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Closed on Wednesday.
Tickets: Tickets are €15 and can be purchased in person or online.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
15. Museo Stibbert (Stibbert Museum)
The Stibbert Museum features the private collection of Frederick Stibbert, an avid collector, housed in his villa just outside Florence’s city center.
The highlight of the museum is its extensive collection of armor, showcasing European, Islamic, and Japanese armor.
Beyond the armor, the museum features artwork, ceramics, and an impressive selection of costumes from around the world. Highlights include traditional Chinese, Indian, and Japanese attire, as well as a ceremonial costume worn by Napoleon at his coronation.
Opening Hours: You can visit the museum from Monday – Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, or from Friday – Sunday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Visit the museum’s official site for more info.
Tickets:The ticket price is €10 for an adult, or €7 for kids between the ages of four and 12. Tickets can only be purchased in person. However, if you have a larger group or want to book a guided tour, you can get in touch with the museum by email to do so.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
16. Museo Novocento (Novocento Museum)
The Museo Novecento highlights modern and contemporary Italian artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring notable neoclassical artists like Giorgio De Chirico and Gino Severini.
The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits. Be sure to check the official website to see what will be on display during your visit.
Opening Hours: Open daily, except Thursdays, from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Tickets: €9.50 plus a €1 pre-sale fee when bought online.
Include in the Firenze Card? No.
17. Museo di Palazzo Davanzati (Davanzati Palace Museum)
Originally built as a private residence in the 14th-century, the Museo di Palazzo Davanzati offers a glimpse into traditional Florentine home.
Inside, you’ll find beautifully restored rooms filled with period furniture, including a 15th-century throne bed, along with other rare artifacts. The museum also features a stunning collection of lacework
Tickets: Entry is €6 for a full-price adult ticket. Tickets can be bought online or in person.
Hours: The museum is open in the mornings (8:15 AM – 1:50 PM) from Tuesday through Thursday and in the afternoons (1:15 PM – 6:50 PM) Friday through Sunday.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
18. Salvatore Ferragamo Museum
Ferragamo, the luxury Italian fashion house, was founded in Florence in 1927 by Salvatore Ferragamo himself. The Salvatore Ferragamo Museum is dedicated the history of the brand and the visionary who started it all.
For anyone interested in fashion, this museum is a must-visit. It features an extensive archive of Ferragamo pieces, along with the creative process behind them. You’ll find sketches, photographs, and even casts of famous feet.
Tickets: Entry to the museum is €8. You can purchase tickets in person or online.
Opening Hours: The museum is open from 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM seven days per week.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
19. Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum
This museum is dedicated to the scientific work of Da Vinci. It allows you to interact with reproductions of the machines and designs he created. While the museum is targeted at kids, it can be fun for visitors of all ages.
Tickets: Full price tickets are €15.80. You can purchase online through the official website or in person. Tickets for kids 3 – 17 years old are €13.80.
Opening Hours: The museum is open from Monday to Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM, and Sunday 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM.
Included in the Firenze Card? No.
Top 8 Florence Museums
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- Bargello Museum
- Opera del Duomo Museum
- Palazzo Pitti
- San Marco Museum
- Palazzo Strozzi Loggia dei Lanzi
Firenze Card
Getting the Firenze Card is absolutely a good choice if you plan to be in Florence for at least three days and visit even just a few museums. All but 3 of the museums on this list are included in the card.
The card costs €85 per person, and while some museums require advance reservations, there’s no additional fee for making those bookings.
The Firenze Card grants access to 65 individual museums across the city, along with a handful of exhibitions. For more details, including the full list of included museums, visit the official website.
More information for your trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.