Museo Bandini is a compact art museum at Via Giovanni Duprè 1 in Fiesole, just behind the Duomo. Its four rooms hold Tuscan works from the 13th to 16th centuries, including paintings by Taddeo and Agnolo Gaddi, Bernardo Daddi and Neri di Bicci, alongside Della Robbia ceramics, ivories and wood sculpture. Roman, Etruscan and Lombard artifacts are also represented. Pair the visit with the nearby archaeological area, where a Roman theatre and the remains of baths and a temple overlook the valley.
Tuscan art in four rooms
Museo Bandini is housed just behind Fiesole’s Duomo. Its collection comes from the private holdings of Canon Angelo Maria Bandini, who lived from 1726 to 1803 and bequeathed his collection to the Diocese of Fiesole.
The four rooms display Tuscan works spanning the 13th to 16th centuries. Paintings by Taddeo and Agnolo Gaddi, Bernardo Daddi and Neri di Bicci are among the works on view. The collection also includes Della Robbia ceramics, ivories and wood sculpture.
Religious paintings and artifacts
Much of the art is religious in subject, with paintings and sculpture from the early Tuscan Renaissance. The museum also displays Roman, Etruscan and Lombard artifacts, giving the collection a wider historical range.
The museum is small, so it can suit a focused stop for Renaissance art. If that period is not a particular interest, the collection may feel brief; the nearby archaeological area adds a different reason to visit.
Pair the museum with the archaeological area
The archaeological area is close by and includes a Roman theatre, the remains of baths and a temple. The theatre is among the main sights, and the ruins sit above views across the valley. The museum and archaeological area can be visited together; ticket options may include both.
A restaurant on the grounds has views over the ruins and valley. It can be visited without admission to the museum and archaeological area.
Planning your visit
The museum is open Friday through Sunday, from 9 AM to 7 PM, and closed Monday through Thursday. Advance ticket booking is recommended. The museum app can help explain individual works as you move through the rooms.
Lighting can make some exhibits hard to view clearly. Give yourself time to look closely at the paintings, and consider pairing the visit with the archaeological site rather than treating the museum as a long standalone outing.
FAQ
Where is Museo Bandini?
It is at Via Giovanni Duprè 1 in Fiesole, just behind the Duomo.
What can you see at Museo Bandini?
The collection includes Tuscan paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries, Della Robbia ceramics, ivories, wood sculpture and Roman, Etruscan and Lombard artifacts.
When is Museo Bandini open?
It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM. It is closed Monday through Thursday.
Can you visit Museo Bandini with the archaeological area?
Yes. The museum is close to the archaeological area, and ticket options may include both.
Is advance booking recommended?
Yes, booking tickets in advance is recommended.
