DAVID ACCADEMIA GALLERY ENTRANCE TICKET
27.04.25Description
Located in the heart of the city, the Accademia Gallery hosts examples of paintings and sculptures by the great 14th and 15th century masters who made Florence the capital of art.
Founded in 1784 upon Grand Duke Leopoldo of Lorena's decree, La Galleria dell'Accademia was created to host a collection of antique and modern paintings and sculptures so the students of the nearby Accademia di Belle Arti could pursue their studies in the light of these great masterworks. The Accademia Gallery is situated in parts of the former convent San Niccolò in Cafaggio and the hospice of San Matteo.
In 1873 Michelangelo's David was transferred here to save it from the erosion of time and weather. In 1882 Michelangelo's masterpiece found its position in the Tribuna del David specially created by Emilio de' Fabris.
Through time the Accademia Gallery became famous for its collection of sculptures by Michelangelo. The collection is enriched by paintings and sculptures by other artists who made Florence one of the most important capitals of art. Around 1980, a Gipsoteca (collection of sculptures), located in the Salone dell'Ottocento (19th century hall), was added to the Accademia Gallery. The Accademia Gallery is situated on two floors of which the ground floor is certainly the most famous and admired.
The Accademia Gallery visit begins with the Sala dell'Anticolosso, where the gesso original of The Rape of the Sabines (1582) by Giambologna is placed. Some paintings such as Christ of Pity by Andrea del Sarto and the Deposition of the Cross by Filippo Lippi can be seen here. From here you reach the Galleria dei Prigioni, a corridor that hosts a series of incomplete sculptures by Michelangelo. The visitor is invited to experience the emotional impact of these sculptures that seemingly burst forth from the stone, liberated by the hand of the great artist. Among these sculptures note the famous Pietà da Palestrina, which arrived at the Accademia Gallery in 1940. The artwork seems disproportionate in its dimensions, so much so that the ascription to Michelangelo is questioned by some.
At the end of the gallery reigns supreme Michelangelo's David. Commissioned in 1501 by the Florentine Republic, Michelangelo's statue was first placed in the Piazza della Signoria, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, as a symbol of liberty. The David represents the young biblical hero in the moment he gathers his powers to defeat the giant Goliath. Michelangelo, who at the time was just 25 years of age was paid 400 scudi for this work of art. He used a marble block already reduced to poor condition by other artists. From this marble came one of the greatest masterpieces of civilization, a representation of the Renaissance ideal of the free man, maker of his own destiny.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The time you select on the order form is your preferred time. The closest available time, which can be anytime during opening hours on the selected date, will be automatically confirmed if your preferred time is no longer available.
