Description: I really love art in a variety of forms and one of the main reasons I travel is to view art. But despite my enthusiasm for visiting art galleries and museums, the Accademia in Florence is a disappointment.
Everyone goes to see Michelangelo’s David, the real thing and not the copy in the Piazza della Signoria or the bronze copy on top of Piazzale Michelangelo. The gallery is obviously focused on the David. It stands alone at the end of a long hallway slightly elevated and beckoning visitors to come and admire. And no doubt it is an easy to admire work. As you are drawn towards the David, you can pause to also admire some of Michelangelo’s late unfinished sculptures, but the rest of the Gallery’s collection simply does not match the quality or fame of the David. It has some Mannerist and Medieval paintings by lesser known and lesser talented painters and a rather weird collection of copies of statues and busts.
The cost of entry is €6.50 at the door, more if you book online. That’s rather pricey for viewing one or at best, three works of art. Additionally, it was difficult to find the door. It was not well marked at all and we went to some art school first because it looked more like an art gallery. At least, it didn’t take long to visit there. I highly doubt I would return. If you want to go, it’s open Tuesdays to Sundays from 8.15 to 18.50, closed on Mondays and Christmas Day.
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