Galileo Galilei remains one of the world’s most remarkable scientists and mathematicians. His curiosity extended beyond the boundaries of his time, and he was branded a heretic for going against church doctrine.

Nevertheless, his spectacular discoveries in the fields of physics and astronomy remain until today and the tools and equipment he used in his experiments and investigations are displayed in Florence’s Galileo Museum.

Some of Galileo’s peers, and the scientists who followed in his footsteps are also represented in this intriguing and fascinating space.

Here's everything you need to know about Galileo Museum, one of the most exciting museums in Florence.

What are the prices of Galileo Museum tickets?

Adult (age 18 and above): €13 per person
Children (ages 6 – 17 years): €7 per child
Children under 6 years old: Free
Family ticket (2 adults plus 2 children aged 18 or younger): €28
Private guided inhouse tour (maximum 15 people): €65 flat rate plus individual entrance fee
Online bookings incur a €1 fee.

Who is eligible for discounts?

Children under the age of 6 years qualify for free admission. Children aged between 6 and 18 years of age pay a discounted rate.

If you have purchased a Firenzecard, the Galileo Museum is included as a destination and may work out less expensive as it is part of a museum pass.

When it is entrance free?

Children younger than 6 years, tour leaders, licensed tour guides, and visitors with disabilities can enter the museum for free. An accompanying person may also enter with a disabled person at no charge.

Should you book in advance?

The only way to purchase tickets for the Leonardo Interactive Museum is online in advance, by selecting the day and time of the visit.

What are the most popular Galileo Museum tours?

The Galileo Museum can be visited independently, or you can join a museum organized guide tour, or book a private tour with an outside tour operator.

Guided Tour Of Galileo's Museum

The museum offers visitors the opportunity to book private 60-minute tours. These tours allow a maximum of 15 people and cost a flat rate plus the standard entrance fee. An advance booking is needed and a booking fee is also charged per person.

Galileo Museum Private Tour for Kids & Families

There are private tours to the Galileo Museum that are suited to both adult visitors as well as families with children. During these tours, you will be able to decide where to focus your attention as you explore and learn about the great mathematician and philosopher Galileo Galilei.

Tours are both interactive and immersive and provide you with an exceptional insight into the scientific advances of the Renaissance period.

What will you see inside?

The Galileo Museum, situated in the heart of Florence, pays homage to the genius of mathematician and scientist Galileo Galilei. In the museum, you will encounter an unparalleled collection of historic scientific instruments and artifacts.

The ground floor houses the Medici Collections, which includes ingenious scientific devices from the Renaissance, such as astrolabes, sundials, and celestial globes.

On the first floor, the Lorraine Collection is home to diverse instruments used in physics, chemistry, and electricity from the 18th and 19th centuries. Among these, one eccentricity is the bony middle finger from Galileo's right hand, preserved in a glass egg, symbolizing his unyielding devotion to the cosmos.

You will also find a section dedicated entirely to Galileo Galilei, which brings to life his ground-breaking contributions to astronomy, features his original telescopes, his geometric and military compass, and the exact lenses he used to discover Jupiter's moons.

There are interactive multimedia installations to enhance the experience, providing a unique insight into the historical context of Galileo's discoveries.

How to get there?

The Galileo Museum is situated at Piazza del Giudici. It lies on the Arno River, almost directly opposite the Boboli Gardens, with the Galleria Degli Uffizi bus stop being the closest to the attraction.

When is the museum open?

The Galileo Museum is open daily throughout the year including on Sundays and public holidays, with the exception of New Years and Christmas Day. Opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 6 PM.

Tickets are sold until 30 minutes before museum closing time and the bookshop closes 15 minutes before the museum closes.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the Galileo Museum is entirely accessible to visitors with mobility limitations and a wheelchair ramp is placed at the entrance along Lungarno Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici.

Elevators and wheelchair lifts ensure freedom of movement inside the building and a manual wheelchair is also available for use on a first-come first-serve basis. Each floor also has an accessible restroom.

When is the best time to visit the Galileo Museum?

The best time to visit the Galileo Museum is during its opening hours, typically between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and any special events before planning your visit.

Which other museums can be visited in Florence?

Travel tips

Secure tickets online and skip queues by pre-purchasing tickets through the museum's official site.
Manage crowds and opt for weekdays or early hours to navigate the museum with fewer visitors.
Allocate sufficient time to dedicate around 2-3 hours to fully explore the expansive museum.
Enhance your experience and utilize audio guides or guided tours to deepen your comprehension of Galileo's innovations.
Follow the photography rules and exhibit protocols, contributing to a pleasant and respectful visit for everyone.

Galileo Museum: Tickets and Tours