Accademia Gallery Semi Private Tour 1 hr
Florence

Price: €25
Min age: 0
Rating 4.96 / 5 [32 ratings]
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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.
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.
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.
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.
The gallery is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. The quietest moments are first thing and during lunchtime.
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