P.za della SS. Annunziata, 13, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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Highlights
Discover the Ospedale degli Innocenti, a stunning 15th-century orphanage-turned-museum showcasing masterpieces and topped off with a rooftop cafe boasting breathtaking views.
P.za della SS. Annunziata, 13, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Get directions
"The Ospedale degli Innocenti, a grand Renaissance building designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, opened its doors as an orphanage in 1495; it still works to protect the rights of children, but it now houses a stunning museum space. A prolonged renovation transformed a neglected, dim area into a well-lit home for more than 80 pieces of art, including paintings by Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. In recognition of the building's history, one gallery holds a collection of signi , charms or amulets broken in half by parents and left behind with their children, in hopes of someday reuniting the broken halves and the families. The top floor, once the site of the institute’s laundry facilities, is now a rooftop café with a beautiful view over Florence ."
This is a very nice and unique museum, it has a very nice collection of artwork, sculptures, sketches, statues and paintings. The religious artworks are beautiful as is the building that houses this lovely museum. I really enjoyed my time here; the museum has a very nice layout and its very well preserved. I would definitely recommend checking out this museum when visiting Florence.
Lucy Ross
Google
Wonderful museum with signage in multiple languages. Features the history of the orphanage and tells the stories of the women and children who lived within the walls. Beautiful art gallery in addition to the images and artifacts in the museum. Tickets were reasonable at €9 each and the museum was near empty despite the busy city.
Brad
Google
This is the museum located within the historic hospital at Piazza Della Santissima Annunziata. The museum focuses on three main permanent collections including the 600 year history of the hospital, the unique architecture of the building as well as the Institute's permanent collection of artworks in a lovely gallery showcasing works by Italian masters from the 14th to 17th centuries.
Entry to see these collections only (€9 per adult). They also host temp exhibitions like the recent Alphonse Mucha show (€16 per adult, inc. permanent exhibitions) that was pretty good, worth a view if you are a fan of art, the turn of the century Art Nouveau Master from the Czech Republic or just the art genre itself.
Sun Yueru
Google
It's alright, the admission price is high for the size of the museum. Think of more like a donation to their cause :)
Mostly about the history of the orphanage, unfortunately visitors don't get to see the rotating door that the orphanage is known for through which the babies were dropped.
Michael Pryor
Google
The Museo degli Innocenti is an excellent modern museum detailing the poignant history of Florence's Ospedale degli Innocenti, the Foundlings Hospital.
Top Tip: the museum has a fine rooftop cafe with glorious views of Tuscany and the Duomo.
Michele Bowen
Google
Thought this would be fun for my kids but they were bored. The museum description says that they show you how the orphans used to live so I thought it would be more interactive but it was mostly just reading and looking at displays. But for myself I found it incredibly interesting and informative. Definitely recommend it for adults and older kids/teens.
P P
Google
I flew to Florence for the Alfonso Mucha exhibition. The exhibition is beautiful. At the same time I saw Florence and I am very pleased!
Anthony Pepe
Google
Was interested in this museum due to its historic work and connection to Brunelleschi. I have 3 young boys. Website says it’s a museum focused on children and when I was at ticket counter I again asked if it was a good museum for a 12, 8, and 4 year old. They assured me it is but let me tell you it is not. The subject is interesting but the museum has very little to show and nothing and I repeat nothing that would keep children interested. The whole museum was a ghost town on a very busy day in Florence. we had the place to ourselves. My boys were bored out of the wits and were playing with a toddlers ball that my four year old had. Some women working the book store had to come complain about it. My wife asked her why they can’t play. She had no real answer just an a-hole. Her dumbest excuse was it will damage the pillars. With a rubber toddler ball? Wasn’t this place for kids? Then in another courtyard they were just playing around and some other loser worker came over to complain. We just left. Guess they like it totally empty. If you want a place with no one there this is your place but otherwise definitely skip it.
Ka M.
Yelp
Cannot recommend this amazing museum enough. It is one of the best museums in Florence. Amazing stories are told here. You will learn about the children who came through the orphanage for 500 years, as well as the history of the orphanage. They've preserved the baby window and that in itself is fascinating.
Also, you can see absolute masterpieces of art with no crowds. Botticelli? Yeah it's here. The staff here are incredibly friendly and kind. There's a great rooftop perfect for a drink or snack to top off your visit! Can't wait to come back here.
Lani W.
Yelp
wonderful museum for all ages! kid and disability friendly, and everything is in english and italian. This museum is basically 3 in 1 - history in the basement, architecture on the main floor, and art on the top floor. Be sure to stop at the caffe del verone after you've seem everything - the view is spectacular! this museum is one of the best things I've seen in Florence so far.