Why We Love the Bargello Museum - Florence’s Hidden Sculpture Gem

One sunny June afternoon, we found ourselves wandering into the Bargello Museum—a peaceful escape from the heat and hustle of Florence’s busy streets.

Tucked away just a short walk from the city’s major sights, the Museo Nazionale del Bargello completely surprised us. It's not as well-known as the Uffizi or the Accademia, which honestly made the experience even better.

The Bargello Museum in Florence completely stole our hearts - art, history, and magic in every cornerThe Bargello Museum in Florence completely stole our hearts - art, history, and magic in every corner

Discovering the Bargello - Our story

From the moment we stepped inside, we were enchanted. The museum houses a breathtaking collection of Renaissance sculpture—Donatello, Michelangelo, Verrocchio—all beautifully displayed without the crowds.

We could actually take our time, get close to the works, and really appreciate the artistry without feeling rushed or cramped.

And then there's the courtyard—a true highlight. Surrounded by Gothic arches and decorated with coats of arms, it's one of the most charming corners in Florence. We took a quiet moment to sit on one of the benches there, soaking it all in. It felt like stepping back in time.

After our visit, we strolled just a few minutes over to Ristorante il Bongusto La Maremma for a leisurely lunch. The food was fantastic and the location couldn't have been more convenient. 🔥 Take a look at some Florence sightseeing ideas!

How long does it take to visit the Bargello Museum?

You can easily explore the entire Bargello collection in about two hours without rushing. It’s the perfect cultural stop to pair with lunch or a relaxed afternoon stroll through the city. 👍 Best ticket bundles that include the Bargello

Best ways to explore the Bargello

How to reach the Bargello Museum in Florence?

Getting to the Bargello Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello) is really easy!

If you're starting from Piazza della Signoria, it's just a quick walk. Look for the big bronze horse statue (that's Cosimo I de' Medici), then take the small street called Via delle Farine.

Turn right on Via della Condotta (visit La Via del Tè, the nice Florentine tea shop in this street), then left on Via del Proconsolo. You'll find the museum at number 4. The famous Duomo is also just a short walk away.

Don't feel like walking? Taxis can drop you right at the entrance. Or if you're staying at the nearby Condotta 16 Apartments, you're already super close!

We got there from our place, Casa di Chiara by taking Tram 2 from Belfiore to Piazza dell'Unità Italiana (near the main train station). From there, it was an easy walk to the museum.

The Bargello Museum is right in the heart of Florence, and you can walk there from just about anywhere, including the Santa Maria Novella train station—perfect if you're doing a day trip from Rome.

Enjoying a quiet moment with Renaissance sculptures in the Michelangelo Hall of the Bargello Museum in FlorenceWe loved how calm and quiet the Michelangelo Hall was—perfect for taking in the incredible sculptures without the crowds

When is the best time to visit the Bargello Museum in Florence?

You can really visit the Bargello Museum Florence whenever you want - it's never too busy there. We went on a Saturday in the middle of summer and it was actually quite nice. 👍 Best ticket bundles that include the Bargello

What are the opening times of the Bargello Museum?

The Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence operates with varying hours depending on the season.

  • From April through September, the museum is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 8:15am to 6:50pm, and on Saturdays, it closes at 1:50pm.
  • From October to March, the museum operates from 8:15am to 1:50pm daily, except Tuesdays. It is closed on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, as well as on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

👉 Our tip! Might want to double-check the Bargello's opening hours though, just in case they've changed recently.


What we loved the most about the Bargello Museum?

The beautiful courtyard (and "Il Pescatore" bronze sculpture)

Upon entering the courtyard of the Bargello Museum, we were immediately amazed by the building's beauty and all the exhibits displayed there.

It's a genuinely special place with a peaceful atmosphere, where visitors can unwind and gaze in wonder at magnificent sculptures created by great masters (including the six allegorical sculptures crafted by Bartolomeo Ammannati, the Ocean by Giambologna, several reliefs by Benedetto da Maiano, and the renowned Cannon of San Paolo by Cosimo Cenni).

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Relaxing on the benches in the peaceful courtyard of the Bargello Museum in FlorenceWe love sitting on the benches scattered throughout the Bargello’s courtyard, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful space

We were particularly enchanted by the coats of arms of the podestà, positioned along the palace walls. Our most cherished piece is the bronze sculpture known as "Il Pescatore" (the little fisherman) by Vincenzo Germito, which stands in solitary splendor.

Among all the courtyard sculptures, we were most captivated by Gemito's bronze work 'Il Pescatore'Among all the courtyard sculptures, we were most captivated by Gemito's bronze work 'Il Pescatore'

Michelangelo sculptures at the Bargello

The Michelangelo Room of the Bargello is on the ground floor, right by the staircase. Pretty convenient to find, actually.

There are three pieces by Michelangelo in there. First, you'll see Bacchus, this tipsy god statue that was Michelangelo's first attempt at a free-standing sculpture. There's also a bust of Brutus, which is interesting because it's the only bust he ever made. The third piece is a nice relief showing Mary and her child.

The room also has works from other Renaissance artists - Giambologna, Cellini, Ammannati, and Sansovino. It's a good collection, worth checking out if you're in the museum.

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Bacchus is one of the earliest sculptures of MichelangeloBacchus is one of the earliest sculptures of Michelangelo

Donatello’s bronze David

The Salone del Camino is the Bargello Museum's most famous room on the second floor. Here you will find the smallest bronze statues in Italy.

Donatello’s bronze “David” is naked; he is a young, frail teenager who has not yet reached adult size, wearing a strange hat, with one foot carelessly placed on Goliath’s big, helmeted head.

This collection includes replicas of antique models and Renaissance statues. Names such as Giambologna and Cellini can be found in this room.

Donatello's bronze David captivated us, with its stunning attention to detailDonatello's bronze David captivated us, with its stunning attention to detail

The Bargello's Maiolica Room

Tucked away in a small room at the Bargello Museum, the maiolica collection is a hidden gem most visitors miss—thanks in part to the old-school glass display cases. But don’t let that fool you—this room holds something special.

The collection spans over 800 years, from simple Tuscan pottery shards to modern ceramic design. A highlight? The vividly painted “historiated” plates from 1500s Umbria. Whether or not they were used at the table, they helped bring Roman-style art into everyday homes.

Majolica glazed pottery at the Bargello MuseumMajolica glazed pottery at the Bargello Museum

The beautiful loggia of the Bargello

The ornate Loggia awaits at the top of the open stairway of the Bargello, showcasing an array of 16th century artistic works, including charming bronze animals originally created for the Medici Villa of Castello's garden. The natural setting makes these creatures appear perfectly at home in their surroundings.

This spot provided us with a welcome resting place during our Bargello Museum adventure! It serves as an excellent shelter from both sunny and rainy weather!

Relaxing in the Bargello Museum’s loggia on a peaceful summer afternoonWe enjoyed a quiet summer afternoon in the Bargello Museum’s loggia

The Bargello Museum ticket info


Visitor Type / Ticket Price
Adult (25+) €10
EU Youth (18–24) €2
Under 18 / Over 65 / Eligible Groups Free
First Sunday & Selected Holidays Free for All
Bargello Combo Ticket (5 Museums, 72h) €43

Tips for booking the Bargello tickets

  • Booking: We suggest you to buy your tickets on the spot, as the Bargello rarely has long queues)
  • Timed entry: Unlike the Uffizi or Accademia, Bargello doesn’t strictly require timed slots—so arriving early or mid‑afternoon generally works well, even during busy periods
  • Free entry: First Sunday of the month and selected national holidays, like April 25, June 2, November 4, 2025, also offer free entry for everyone, no reservation required

So, if you're 25 and over, expect to pay about €10 at the gate; if you're aged 18–24 and an EU citizen, it's only €2; and under 18 or on a free day? You walk in for gratis!

Best combo tickets for visiting the Bargello Museum:

If you're planning to visit a few museums or major attractions while you're in Florence, combo tickets are a great way to stretch your budget and skip the long lines.

Not only do they offer good value, but they also save you time—something you’ll really appreciate during peak travel months.

Here are some of the most popular and worthwhile options:

  1. Uffizi Gallery + Bargello Museum Combo
  2. Bargello Museum + Pallazo Vecchio Combo
  3. Palazzo Pitti & Palatine Gallery + Bargello Museum Combo
  4. Florence 5-Attractions Combo (Bargello, Davanzati, Medici Chapels, Orsanmichele and Martelli House).


Excited to explore the Bargello Museum with a guide on our next visitExploring the Bargello Museum with a guide sounds like a great idea for our next visit to dive deeper into its art and history

Why we’d like to take a guided tour of the Bargello Museum

We enjoyed exploring the Bargello at our own pace, focusing on the pieces we loved and skipping those we weren't as interested in. However, we think that taking a guided tour of the museum would be a great idea.

Learning the stories behind each artwork would make the experience even more rewarding—after all, these are masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest artists, such as Michelangelo and Donatello. Plus, we’d get to learn fascinating facts about the museum building itself, which has a long and interesting history.

👍 Useful tip! Every Saturday, the museum offers free guided tours!

We found the best guided tour of the Bargello Museum—and honestly, we’d love to join it ourselves!


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