Streamline your visits to these must-see museums
The Must-Visit List
Among the must-visit museums is the renowned Uffizi Gallery, one of the top museums in the world and home to some of history’s most famous artistic masterpieces. In more than 45 museum halls, visitors will find pieces such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and works by Raphael, Michelangelo and Titian, among other masters. Also on the list of must-sees are the remarkable “Golden Ages” paintings at the Palatina Gallery, Michelangelo’s stunning David at the Accademia Gallery and Renaissance sculptures at the National Museum of Bargello. Other noteworthy museums include the Museum of San Marco and the Archaeological Museum, featuring impressive Etruscan and Egyptian collections. For curious travelers, the Specola and the new Galileo Museum are part of a series of important scientific museums in Florence.
Need to Know
It goes without saying that these famous and important museums are likely to be extremely crowded at almost any point during the year. The mass number of visitors can mean excessive wait times for entrance, so it’s always a good idea to plan your schedule with extra time allotted at each point of interest. Here’s a few things to remember:
– Book your visit to state museums at the official website of the Polo Museale Florentino, where you can purchase tickets for a number of top sites, including the Uffizi Gallery.
– Buy a Firenze Card. The card grants access to about 60 major museums, villas and historical gardens for 72 hours. At a price of 72 euros, the Firenze card not only covers entrance fees to permanent collections but also covers exhibitions and activities at the museums at no extra charge. Card-holders can avoid lines at the main museums by locating the “Firenze Card” sign for immediate entrance. In addition, the Firenze Card includes city transportation on the bus and tram, as well as free WiFi over the Firenze network and a mobile phone app with information on museums and events.
– Keep in mind that many state museums are closed on Mondays, however, many private museums and churches remain open.
