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A Look Inside Florence Museums and Galleries
By: Peter J. Wilson, Thu Nov 2nd, 2006
Florence museums are known around the world to house some of the world's greatest masterpieces
by the masters of each era of the art world. Trends in painting and sculpture have set the pace
for others and made times in history immortal. The art work of Florence tells the tales of the
Birth of Christ, His crucifixion and resurrection. It tells of fashion trends and how the world
viewed beauty. Each element of the world's history has been captured in the art found in the
museums and galleries of Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery
Perhaps one of the most well known galleries in Florence the Uffizi is home to the
Botticelli's Birth of Venus. The list of artists reads like a who's who of the greatest
and includes Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Rubens.
The Accademia
At the Accademia you will find the world famous David by Michelangelo. It also home
to a large collection of Renaissance paintings, but is better know for the sculptures of
Michelangelo including the Palerstria Pieta.
The Baptistery
The Baptistery is so old its date is not really known, but it is understood to be
one of the oldest monuments in Florence. The exterior fa?ade houses three arches that are
adorned with sculptures and marble decorations. The doors are pieces of art in and of themselves.
They are gilded in bronze and date back to the 14th and 15th century. Panels from the original
dome have been removed and restored and are now housed at the Museum of the Opera del Duomo.
Gallery of Modern Art
Florence is so well known for its Renaissance era works that many people overlook the
fact that the Gallery of Modern Art houses 18th, 19th and 20th century works that are modern
by comparison in a city so old. The museum is located on the second floor of the Pitti Place.
Here you find familiar works by Cezanne, Gauguin, and Grassi and others who adopted the style
and techniques of French artists. Equestrians will particularly enjoy the works of sculptor Marino
Marini.
The Horne Museum
Named after the English art collector Herbert P. Horne, this museum blends art with a history
of life during the Italian Renaissance. The furnishings and accessories along with the architecture
itself are a reflection of this rich era. Artwork ranges from the 14th to 17th centuries and includes
pieces from Cafaggiolo, Urbino, and Orvieto.
The Silver Museum
This museum houses an interesting collection of objects from the various dynasties ranging
from the Medici through the Lorraine. There is great diversity in the pieces of jewellery,
gems, semi-precious tones and various art objects. These are all from eras in time when a rich
life and extravagance were the norm. One of the most valuable pieces housed here is a collection
of vases by Lorenzo the Magnificent.
This small sprinkling of museums only touches the surface of possible historical sites in
Florence. Florence is home to more than 50 museums, galleries, or architectural wonders that make
this city a place one could visit for weeks and still not take it all in.