The Museo de' Medici is located in an ancient palace that was donated by Cosimo I de' Medici to his secret advisor Sforza Almeni. Cosimo I and Eleonora of Toledo stayed in the sumptuous rooms decorated by artists such as Bartolomeo Ammannati and Giorgio Vasari. The museum tells the story of the dynasty through themed rooms, temporary exhibitions, events and a specialized bookshop.
The first thematic room is dedicated to genealogy, a true portrait of the Medici family through a suggestive holographic cinema. The following room tells about the birth of the Grand Duchy, the villas, the fleet of the Knights of Santo Stefano and a large diorama illustrates the famous battle of Anghiari: the battle that saved the Renaissance.
Special focus is dedicated to the family's artistic patronage: in addition to the virtual painting gallery and a very precious collection of coins and historical engravings, particularly interesting is the interactive installation that allows visitors to listen to the music that accompanied the life of the Medicis.
Another room is dedicated to costume: the Medici princesses were undisputed trendsetters! Among the many wonders, you can admire some statues for banquets that were melted in sugar and the recipes of Caterina de' Medici.
The last hall is dedicated to science. The Medici founded the first scientific academy in the world and were the most convinced supporters of Galileo Galilei. In the room, you'll see a collection of stuffed animals, of minerals and stills related to alchemy, a model of the telescope with which Galilei discovered the Medici planets and even an original document of the Pope who condemned the Pisan astronomer.
The jewel of the museum is the small room previously used as a palatine chapel by Sforza Almeni, featuring an extraordinary 16th-century fresco on the ceiling. Finally, the "treasure room" displays the most faithful three-dimensional reconstruction in the world of the Grand Ducal crown lost over the centuries. Before leaving, you can visit the wine cellar and learn about the Medici's favorite wines, protected by royal decree since 1716.
Skip-the-line ticket
Guided visit
