Accademia Gallery Museum

The Hall of the Colossus stands proudly as one of the most sought-after destinations within the Accademia Gallery Museum, owing to its captivating array of age-old plaster casts. This hall derives its name from these impressive replicas that grace its interior. Among the hall's top treasures lies the remarkable sculpture by Giambologna, the "Rape of the Sabines." Carved from a single block of marble, this sculpture portrays three figures in a mesmerizing composition, capturing the intensity and emotion of the moment.

Beyond the celebrated sculpture, the Hall of the Colossus boasts a rich collection of artistic wonders, each a testament to the brilliance of their respective creators. Visitors are enthralled by masterpieces from renowned artists like Filippino Lippi, Paolo Uccello, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, and Perugino, among others. These works of art reflect the artistic diversity and historical significance of the Renaissance era.

Named after the four slaves that used to reside here at one time is the Hall of the Prisoners, which consists of four male nude sculptures. All of these sculptures were created by Michelangelo, and are named the Awakening Slave, Atlas, the Young Slave, and the Bearded Slave. The sculptures were commissioned in the year 1505 and are older than the Sistine Chapel. This room was first built to house classic paintings, but then became the abode of these unfinished sculptures, which were intended to be a part of the tomb of Pope Julius II Della Rovere.

You can also find several paintings in Accademia Gallery by Pontormo, Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, Granacci, Fra’ Bartolomeo, and Andrea del Sarto in the Hall of the Prisoners.

Undoubtedly the most popular of all Accademia Gallery Museum Halls is The Tribune, which is home to Michelangelo’s David, which is regarded as one of the most famous sculptures to have ever been made. Completed in the year 1504, this 17 feet tall sculpture was once located at Piazza Della Signoria and then moved inside a tribune (which later became a part of this gallery) in the 1850s.

In The Tribune, you can also find works by other famous artists like Cecchino, Bronzino, Allori as well as Salviati, surrounding the sculpture of David.

The Gipsoteca Bartolini Hall has been a part of this gallery since 1784 and has been dedicated to the life and works of one of the most genius artists of that era, Lorenzo Bartolini. It was in this year when the then Duke of Tuscany, Peter Leopold, converted the Friary Hospital of San Matthew and Convent into a museum for the students of the adjoining academy. Lorenzo Bartolini, who was one of the most prominent professors of the academy, then contributed a major chunk of Accademia Gallery artworks for this hall.

It is here where you can discover some of the most important artworks that give you a glimpse into the evolution as well as the impact of Renaissance and Florentine art, right from times of New-Classicism and Romanticism.

Nestled on the ground floor of the Accademia Gallery Museum, the Florentine Gothic Hall beckons visitors with its three captivating rooms, each dedicated to the artistic brilliance of the 13th to early 14th centuries. Stepping into these rooms is akin to embarking on a journey through time, where the masterpieces of renowned Giottesque painters, Orcagna, and his brothers come to life. The first room serves as a treasure trove of artistic heritage, housing the oldest works of art within the entire gallery, dating back to the 13th century.

These ancient pieces offer a glimpse into the early artistic expressions that laid the foundation for the Renaissance era. The second room shines a spotlight on the iconic works of Giotto, accompanied by the artistic prowess of Daddi and Gaddi. Here, visitors can witness the evolution and influence of Giotto's revolutionary style that left an indelible mark on the art world.

The renowned Museum of Musical Instruments at the gallery houses over 50 historical instruments from the Medicean court, known as the Grand Ducal Collection. It boasts wind, string, and harpsichord instruments, including early pianos like the pianoforte, and the famed Stradivari Viola. Among the artifacts are various instruments used in the daily lives of the Medici family.

This captivating collection offers a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of the past and the instruments cherished by one of history's most influential dynasties.

The captivating Hall of Florence, located on the first floor of the Accademia Gallery Museum, offers a fascinating exploration of art from the period between 1370 and 1430. Delving into the pre-Renaissance era, this hall houses a diverse collection of late 14th-century artworks, showcasing the distinctive late Gothic art of Florence. Within its walls, visitors can immerse themselves in a set of artworks dedicated to the local religious and spiritual practices of that time.

Among the notable pieces, Jacopo di Cione's poignant "Massacre of the Innocents" stands out, along with the impressive works by artists like Del Biondo, Lorenzo Monaco, and Don Silvestro.