Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Art museum · San Niccolo ·
Home to Michelangelo's David, other sculptures, and paintings
Home to Michelangelo's David, other sculptures, and paintings
"Home to Michelangelo’s David, this compact but world-renowned gallery is a highlight for art lovers wanting to see one of the most famous sculptures of the Renaissance in person." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine, T Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy" Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I finish the David experience at the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze to stand before Michelangelo’s David, a figure celebrated by Renaissance artists and one that, in my view, evokes the memory of lost Florentine freedom." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"On my last day alone, I went to see David at the Accademia Gallery. When you turn the corner, there are rows of other unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo."
"I learned that the Galleria dell’Accademia is similarly prone to selling out well in advance and needs timed tickets, and thanks to my hotel concierge I was able to get reservations at my preferred time without waiting." - Jennifer Bradley Franklin Jennifer Bradley Franklin Jennifer Bradley Franklin is an Atlanta-based multi-platform journalist and author, specializing in travel, food, interior design, and other lifestyle topics. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Most people head to this ex-art school to ogle the world’s most famous nude statue. Michelangelo’s David was carved from a single five-meter-high block of milky-white marble in 1504 and originally stood in Piazza della Signoria. Don’t neglect the other artworks in the gallery, however. They include Michelangelo’s four unfinished Slaves, straining to escape their stone prison, and a fabulous collection of early musical instruments. To avoid endless lines, advance booking is advised."
