Museo Nazionale del Bargello

The Museo Nazionale del Bargello is a premier sculpture museum located in a medieval palazzo in Florence, Italy. Housed in the former Palazzo del Bargello, which once served as the city's prison and police headquarters, the museum now showcases one of the most important collections of Italian Renaissance sculpture in the world. Visitors can see masterpieces by Donatello, including his iconic bronze 'David' and 'Saint George,' as well as works by Michelangelo, such as his early 'Bacchus' and 'Brutus.' The museum also features exquisite examples of decorative arts, including ceramics, ivories, and medals. What makes the Bargello distinctive is its intimate scale compared to the Uffizi, allowing for a focused encounter with sculpture in a historic setting. The courtyard, with its well and loggia, provides a serene introduction to the museum. The upper floors display works by other Renaissance masters like Verrocchio, Cellini, and Giambologna. The building itself is a highlight, with its rugged stone walls and vaulted ceilings evoking Florence's medieval past. A visit here offers a deeper understanding of the evolution of Renaissance sculpture from Gothic to Mannerist styles.

Don't miss

• Donatello's bronze 'David', a revolutionary Renaissance sculpture
• Michelangelo's 'Bacchus', his first large-scale work
• The courtyard with its well and medieval architecture
• Cellini's bronze 'Perseus with the Head of Medusa' (small model)
• The collection of Renaissance medals and ivories

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Museo Nazionale del Bargello

Cheapest way inThe Best Tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales4.9★ · 11,686 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Most bookedFlorence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included4.8★ · 7,607 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$56 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleBARGELLO Private Tour in Florence4.9★ · 23 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$128 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Book tickets online in advance to avoid long waits.
• Photography is allowed without flash.
• Consider an audio guide for deeper context on the sculptures.
• Allow at least 1.5 hours to appreciate the collection.

A bit of history

The Bargello was built in the 13th century as the Palazzo del Popolo, later becoming the residence of the chief of police (Bargello) and a prison. It became a national museum in 1865, focusing on sculpture and decorative arts.