Florence is packed with museums, and getting lost in them is one of the best ways to spend your day. While many visitors flock to the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus or to the Accademia for Michelangelo’s David, there’s so much more to explore—especially when admission is free! On the first Sunday of each month, state-funded museums across the city open their doors at no cost.
If you’re looking to explore free museums in Florence, add these to your list!
The Bargello: Florence’s Oldest Public Building
Once a city hall, later a prison, and now a museum, the Bargello is a treasure trove of Renaissance sculptures and decorative arts. It’s home to Donatello’s famous bronze David—a must-see masterpiece. In the same room, you’ll find Ghiberti and Brunelleschi’s Sacrifice of Isaac bronzes, which sparked the Italian Renaissance in 1401.
This museum is a dream for art and history lovers, filled with armor, metalwork, and intricate carvings. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a local art class sketching amongst the sculptures!
Medici Chapels: A Tribute to Tuscany’s Rulers
Attached to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels house the grand tombs of Tuscany’s rulers and their families. The highlight? The Chapel of Princes, an opulent octagonal room covered in Florentine hard stone mosaics (commesso) with towering sarcophagi. The breathtaking painted dome and bronze statues make this a strikingly regal space.
Don’t miss the New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, featuring his stunning sculptures Dawn and Dusk and Night and Day. Some of his original drawings, protected under plexiglass, add an extra layer of history to this already remarkable site.
Palazzo Pitti: A Day-Long Royal Experience
The Pitti Palace, originally purchased by Eleanor of Toledo, became the Medici family’s lavish residence. It’s connected to Palazzo Vecchio by the Vasari Corridor, built for their safety. Today, the palace houses multiple museums and galleries—so plan for a full day here!
Must-See Highlights
- Palatine Gallery & Royal Apartments: Home to the largest collection of Raphael’s paintings, alongside works by Titian, Caravaggio, and Rubens.
- Treasury of the Grand Dukes (Silver Museum): A collection of silverware, jewelry, and intricately carved ivory pieces.
- Gallery of Modern Art: Featuring works from the late 18th to early 20th century.
- Museum of Costume and Fashion: Displays clothing and jewelry from the 18th century to today!
- Boboli Gardens: A sprawling outdoor museum with fountains, grottoes, an amphitheater, and the whimsical Fountain of Little Snouts (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!). Be sure to wear comfy shoes—this place is huge!
Make the Most of Free Museum Sundays
If you love art, history, and wandering through incredible spaces, Florence’s state museums are the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Whether you’re sketching at the Bargello, marveling at Michelangelo’s work in the Medici Chapels, or getting lost in the grandeur of Palazzo Pitti, there’s something for everyone. Which free museums in Florence do you want to visit first?
Ready to Go Abroad in Florence?
Florence is full of history, art, and hidden gems waiting for you to explore. Why just visit when you can live and study in this incredible city? Check out our programs and start your adventure!
