Millions of tourists from all over the world come to Florence in order to see with their own eyes the works of the greatest masters, which are housed in the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts. It was opened in 1784 specifically so that aspiring sculptors and painters could study details and grasp secrets while admiring genuine masterpieces.
Today this is perhaps one of the most visited museums in Europe. It is famous, first and foremost, for Michelangelo's sculptures: four figures from the cycle "Slaves," the unfinished marble sculpture of the Apostle Matthew, as well as the famous statue of David, which was specially moved here from Piazza della Signoria in 1873. A separate hall was even built for "David" - the Tribune. And in 1910 a copy was installed in the square.
In the adjacent rooms, which had previously been part of two monasteries, important works of art are collected. Mainly, these are religious paintings by well-known artists who worked in Florence from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Among them are such famous names as Botticelli, Andrea del Sarto, Perugino, Bronzino, and others.
In one of the halls you can see the polyptych by Andrea Orcagna and a series of panels telling about the life of Jesus Christ and Saint Francis, created by the Italian artist Taddeo Gaddi. In addition, the Gallery has a section of Russian icons painted in the 16th-18th centuries. Among the recent additions is a collection of antique musical instruments from the Cherubini Conservatory.
The Gallery is so popular among tourists that it is better to book a ticket here in advance, online. This way you will not have to waste time on a tedious wait in endless lines.
