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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Florence’s other big-name art museum (with the Uffizi) has a world-class collection of 14th- and 15th-century art, but those endless queues of people are really here to see one thing: Michelangelo’s 1504 4m-high statue of David.

Moved here in 1873 from Piazza della Signoria, the iconic sculpture appears quite different in the flesh: the head and hands are larger than expected (a trick of perspective; originally the statue was placed higher up).

Walk around the back to see David’s sling, a tree stump – and those famous buttocks.

Don’t miss

Also look out for Michelangelo’s four unfinished sculptures known as Slaves or Prisoners, originally placed in Buontalenti’s Grotta in the Boboli Gardens.

Other not-to-be-missed artworks here include The Madonna of the Sea and The Madonna with Child, Two Angels and John the Baptist both by Botticelli, and Filippino Lippo’s Annunciation. There is also a superb collection of old musical instruments including violins and cellos by the likes of Stradivarius and Guarneri.

While you’re there

Combine a visit to the Accademia with a stop at the spectacular frescoed monastery of San Marco, a two-minute walk away, to see exquisite works by once-time resident monk Fra Angelico.

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Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum is a 15-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station.

As with Uffizi, the queues are legendary, so if you’re going independently, it’s essential (if you want to skip the worst of them) to pre-book tickets via the official Florence Museums website, entitling you to enter via a reserved entrance. You can also pre-book tickets at the church of Orsanmichele (Via de’ Calzaiuoli). Audio guides are available in six languages (for a small fee). You can book a 1.5-hour private tour with an expert (in English).

Alternatively, book onto an organised tour; they’ll arrange a skip-the-line-ticket for you. Some tours include a stop at the Uffizi too. See our recommendations below.

When to do it

The gallery is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. The quietest moments are first thing and during lunchtime.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Accademia Gallery Timed-Entry Ticket with Host and Priority Access

Accademia Gallery Timed-Entry Ticket with Host and Priority Access

Florence

Fast-track entrance ticket to head inside Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in Florence to explore independently. Home to the orig...

€29 | Rating 4.09 / 5 [897 ratings]

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Skip the line - Beyond David Michelangelo s code: the creation process

Skip the line - Beyond David Michelangelo s code: the creation process

Florence

High profile tour by native tour guide, aimed at couples, friends and families with children, for those who want to live an exciting experie...

€30 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [125 ratings]

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Priority Entrance Tickets : Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets

Priority Entrance Tickets : Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets

Florence

No visit to Florence would be complete without a true encounter with the artistic genius it is famous for. Get the lowdown on Michelangelo a...

$33 | Rating 4.24 / 5 [294 ratings]

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Skip The Line Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets with Priority Entrance

Skip The Line Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets with Priority Entrance

Florence

Michelangelo’s colossal David is perhaps the most famous icon of the Italian Renaissance, if not the most famous statue in the world. Did yo...

$33 | Rating 4.37 / 5 [32 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Four Seasons Florence

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[0.6 miles]

A superb heritage hotel with impeccable facilities and services that occupies a frescoed Renaissance palazzo and former convent. Set in a majestic 11-acre park, 20 minutes from Florence’s historic centre.

Official star rating:

Helvetia & Bristol

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[0.8 miles]

A historic hotel well-deserving of its five-star status, the Helvetia & Bristol enjoys a fabulously central location and offers sumptuous rooms, bags of atmosphere and top-notch service.

Official star rating:

In Piazza della Signoria Hotel

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[0.8 miles]

This elegant guest house offers warm hospitality and an atmosphere of genteel ‘Old Florence’ steps from Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.

Official star rating:

The Place

Florence, Tuscany, Italy[0.8 miles]

One of Italy’s first boutique hotels offers sophisticated interiors, a club-like atmosphere and top-notch service in the heart of Florence.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

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Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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Bargello Museum

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Gucci Museum

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Best for ages: 8+ | £6

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Magi Chapel

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Palazzo Strozzi

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Best for ages: 18+ | £13

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