Accademia Gallery: Tickets and Tours

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Home to the world-renowned statue of "David" by Italy's most famous sculptor — Michelangelo — the Accademia Gallery is a must for anyone interested in art.

You can get up close and personal to the critically acclaimed biblical statue. On top of "David," you can also view a host of other masterpieces created by some of the most notable artists in the world.

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Accademia Gallery: Tickets and Tours

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Home to the world-renowned statue of "David" by Italy's most famous sculptor — Michelangelo — the Accademia Gallery is a must for anyone interested in art.

You can get up close and personal to the critically acclaimed biblical statue. On top of "David," you can also view a host of other masterpieces created by some of the most notable artists in the world.

Accademia Gallery tickets are affordable, and purchasing passes guarantee you a fascinating few hours in Florence.

Up next, you can check out our guide on the Accademia Gallery, one of the most important museums in Florence.

  • Full price: €12
  • Children under 18: Free

There is a €4 booking fee on all online purchases of Accademia Gallery tickets, including free passes. However, children under the age of six do not require a ticket.

Who is eligible for discounts?

Persons with disabilities and their companions are exempt from paying Accademia Gallery tickets. EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 pay a reduced rate of €2 to visit the Accademia Gallery.

This hour-long guided tour takes you on a journey around the Accademia Gallery, learning about several of the most renowned paintings in the museum.

These include the works of Sandro Botticelli and Jacopo di Cione. You'll also see the shining star of the gallery — Michelangelo's "David" — which was created over a period of 3 years early in the 16th century.

With a private tour, you'll have your own dedicated guide to provide you with a running commentary of the masterpieces that line the Accademia Gallery. You'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and you'll gain an in-depth knowledge of the works, and the artists behind them.

The best way to save time and money is to book a combined guided tour of the Accademia Gallery. This is especially useful for those with a limited number of days to spend in the city.

  • Accademia Gallery tour and Brunelleschi's Dome climb: See Michelangelo's "David" up close before the crowds swarm into the Accademia Gallery, followed by a climb of the Duomo's Dome for a remarkable view of Florence.
  • Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery walking tour: Waltz through the history of Florence by visiting its two most prestigious art galleries — the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery — where thousands of masterpieces are held, including works by Botticelli.

You can avoid paying the Accademia Gallery entry fee by visiting on the first Sunday of the month. The museum is part of a citywide program that allows free entrance to Florence's most historic landmarks once a month, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Boboli Gardens.

Accademia Gallery tickets are often sold out several days in advance. To avoid being turned away at the site, you should purchase your passes ahead of time online. With an online booking, you can choose a date and time slot that works with your itinerary, and spend less time queueing.

The Accademia Gallery was originally founded by Cosimo I de 'Medici as the Academy of Drawing Arts. However, it was his successor — Pietro Leopoldo — who changed the museum to the Academy of Fine arts, welcoming more variety of artworks into the gallery.

After residing in the Piazza della Signoria for over 300 years, Michelangelo's statue of "David" was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873. Michelangelo started carving the sculpture in 1501 and its marble form is based on the hero in the Bible who slays Goliath.

The statue is the crowning jewel of the gallery and stands over 5 meters tall. It is often regarded as the perfect representation of male anatomy.

"David" became a symbol of liberty in Florence after the city became free of the Medici Family's rule in 1737. After the family's control of Florence which spanned almost 300 years, the citizens of Florence saw the statue as a representation of freedom.

While in the Piazza della Signoria, "David's" eyes faced towards Rome, warning the remains of the Medici family to stay away from the independent state.

Michelangelo's "David" fame and history outshines other artworks displayed in the Accademia Gallery, but you'll also find several more pieces by the sculptor in its halls. You'll also see statues carved by Bartolini and Giambologna that depict various figures from the time period.

As well as sculptures, the museum is also home to a large array of paintings by artists including Allori, Bronzino and Portelli.

The Accademia Gallery is located in the center of District 1, close to Brunelleschi's Dome and the Baptistery. It is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella station, which passes by some incredible landmarks.

Alternatively, you can take the Line 20 bus, which stops at the Piazza di San Marco, just 100 meters from the gallery.

The Accademia Gallery is one of the busiest spots in Florence. Because of this, you should choose to visit when the museum opens at 8:15 AM, or after 5 PM when the line of tourists thins out.

For a quieter and more enjoyable experience, plan your visit to the Accademia Gallery outside of the summer months.

Which other attractions can be visited in Florence?

Travel tips

  • The Accademia Gallery is closed every Monday.
  • Plan your Accademia Gallery visit to coincide with the first Sunday of the month, when the entry fee is waived. It's worth noting that there are usually longer queues than normal on this day.
  • The museum's ticket office closes at 6:20 PM every day, so purchase your Accademia Gallery tickets before this time.

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