Bargello

The Bargello (Museo Nazionale del Bargello) is Florence’s national museum of sculpture and decorative arts, housed in the medieval Palazzo del Bargello. The museum specialises in sculpture from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and contains important works by leading Italian sculptors.

Major galleries present early Renaissance bronzes, marble sculpture and works in terracotta, with significant pieces by Donatello and others; display rooms also include period decorative arts such as armour and ceramics. The palace’s courtyard and medieval architecture are integral to the visitor route and presentation.

The palazzo dates to the medieval period and was the city’s civic palace before later uses; its collections were organised for public display in the 19th century as part of Italy’s move to preserve national artistic heritage.

The Bargello stands in central Florence, within short walking distance of the Duomo and other historic city landmarks.

• Building and focus: Housed in the historic Palazzo del Bargello, one of Florence's oldest civic buildings, the museum specialises in sculpture from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

What to See #

• Renaissance sculpture rooms: Halls dedicated to Renaissance sculpture display major works by Donatello and other Renaissance masters, including early free-standing bronzes and marbles.
• Palazzo courtyard and historic spaces: The central courtyard and medieval palace architecture are preserved as part of the museum experience and are used to display larger sculptures and period decorative arts.
• Decorative arts and armour: Galleries of decorative arts show period armour, ceramics and textiles alongside sculptural works from the 13th to the 16th centuries.