Bargello Museum - Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Tell us a bit about this place. Museo Nazionale del Bargello—which opened in 1865 by order of by royal decree, making it Italy’s first national museum—houses the city’s most important collection of Renaissance sculpture. A former barracks and prison, the building alone is impressive, never mind the masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello. Tell us a bit more about these masterpieces. What can we expect to see here? The Bargello’s collection includes some of the most important works of Renaissance sculpture: masterpieces by Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Andrea del Verrocchio, Michelangelo, and Benvenuto Cellini. The building also houses bronzes, ceramics, waxes, enamels, medals, ivories, tapestries, seals, and textiles, some from the Medici collections and others from convents or private collectors. In 1888, Louis Carrand, an antiquarian from Lyon, made one of the most important donations to Bargello: more than 2,500 paintings and works of decorative art. How would you rate the crowd, from dead quiet to bustling? This museum isn't terribly busy. The building is huge, which means you'll get to enjoy it without the usual touristy throngs. If we need some guidance through the museum, what are our options? An audio guide (six euros) gives a good overview of the gallery and history of the building, but, rather curiously, it doesn't really talk about individual works of art. Souvenir-wise, how's the gift shop? There's a small, limited gift shop. It's not the draw here. And the café? There's no café onsite, but there are plenty nearby. If we're a bit short on time, what should we make sure to see at the Bargello? The museum spans three floors; you can definitely take in a great deal in an hour. Don't miss David , by Donatello." - Bridget Arsenault