Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Museum houses a substantial collection of works of art, mainly sculptures and decorative arts, from the 14th to 17th centuries. Bargello is not an ordinary museum. Its collections bring together some of the most influential sculptures of the Italian Middle Ages and Renaissance, including masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Luca della Robbia, Desiderio da Settignano and others.
The oldest public building in Florence
It is one of the first public buildings in the city. It was initially built as a palace for the Italian Captain of the People, i.e., the head of the city's judicial system, in 1255. And later, the palace was used as a barracks and prison, then – as a residence for Florentine magistrates.
The building suffered severe damage during World War II when it was used as a military prison and interrogation center. In return for its poor condition, it became one of the first buildings in Florence to be restored after the war.
The finest sculptures in Italy
The main collection consists mostly of sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with some 14th-century works from Greece, whose influence upon Italian art was considerable. There are also examples from the later periods to the 20th century. Furthermore, there are masterpieces from Donatello to Michelangelo, ranging from small works in bronze to large individual statues such as David and Hercules. Some works were once part of the collection of the defunct Galleria dell'Accademia, which was replaced by the Uffizi Gallery located nearby.
The Bargello opened up to visitors in 1865 and today houses some of the most consequential artworks in Italy. Museo Nazionale del Bargello also has a welcoming gift shop and superb restaurants nearby.
