The Museo Nazionale del Bargello occupies a medieval palace on Via del Proconsolo in central Florence. Its rooms hold Renaissance sculpture by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini and other major artists, alongside ceramics, tapestries, medals and other decorative arts. Donatello’s bronze David and Michelangelo’s Bacchus are key works to look for. The building’s former roles as a seat of government and a prison add another layer to a visit. Plan on about two hours to see the collection at a measured pace.
A palace with several past lives
Construction of the Palazzo del Bargello began in 1255. It was built for Florence’s civic government and became one of the city’s earliest public buildings. The palace later housed magistrates, including the podestà, who administered justice there until 1502. Its name comes from the Bargello, the chief of police, and the building also served as a prison and barracks.
The austere stone exterior and tall tower give little away about the works inside. The palace’s courtyard, with its arches and stone coats of arms, offers a first look at how the building’s civic history remains visible in its architecture. The Bargello became a national museum in 1865.
Renaissance sculpture in the palace rooms
Sculpture is the collection’s main draw. Donatello’s bronze David stands among the works to seek out, along with his David in marble and Saint George. Michelangelo’s Bacchus, made early in his career, is another central work. The collection also includes the Tondo Pitti, David-Apollo and Brutus, as well as sculpture by Cellini, Verrocchio, Giambologna and other artists.
The works are displayed across rooms in the historic building, with different spaces devoted to different parts of the collection. One room holds Donatello’s bronze David, while the former council chamber, the Sala del Consiglio, is associated with the sculpture. Leave time to look closely: the museum’s breadth makes a quick circuit a poor fit for anyone hoping to take in the individual pieces.
Decorative arts and the building’s details
The Bargello also holds objects beyond sculpture. Ceramics, bronzes, medals, ivories, enamels, textiles and tapestries broaden the visit, with some pieces connected to the Medici collections. Arms and armour are among the other objects on display. Taken together, these works show the range of materials and forms preserved in the museum.
Look up as well as around the rooms. The palace’s stone crests, courtyard and medieval architecture are part of the visit, and benches or chairs give you places to pause. If you want a guided thread through the collection, Rick Steves’ free audio tour is available to download. The museum is closed on Mondays; it opens from Tuesday through Sunday.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long should you spend at the Bargello Museum?
Allow at least two hours to explore the collection. Visitors especially interested in art may want to spend longer.
What are the main works to see at the Bargello?
Look for Donatello’s bronze David and sculptures by Michelangelo, including Bacchus. The collection also includes work by Cellini, Verrocchio and Giambologna.
Does the Bargello Museum have more than sculpture?
Yes. Its collections include ceramics, bronzes, medals, ivories, enamels, textiles, tapestries, arms and armour.
Is the Bargello Museum open on Mondays?
No. It is closed on Mondays and open from Tuesday through Sunday.
