Museo di San Marco

"Fra Angelico in the Museo di San Marco Housed in the monastery of San Marco, this museum pays homage to the delicate, spiritual work of Fra Angelico who lived and worked here as a monk from 1435-1445. Some of his most celebrated paintings and frescoes are on show here: the famous Annunciation (as reproduced on many a Christmas card) is at the top of the stairs on the first floor and the great Last Judgement alterpiece is in the Pilgrim’s Hospice. He painted frescoes in the corners of the main cloister and also decorated the monks’ tiny cells with the help of his assistants. This is one of my favorite museums in Florence ...don't miss it! Photo by Gianluca Moggi"

"Museo di San Marco is set in a beautiful convent designed in the 15th century by architect Michelozzo, a favorite of Cosimo de' Medici. Located in the Oltrarno neighborhood, it feels like it's a secret though it's always been beloved for its standout frescoes. This experience is full-immersion Renaissance: You're stepping into a time capsule. There's no curation, no seasonal exhibits, no pacing—nothing. It's a beautifully preserved convent-cum-museum." - Erica Firpo

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Museo di San Marco is set in a beautiful convent designed in the 15th century by architect Michelozzo, a favorite of Cosimo de' Medici. Located in the Oltrarno neighborhood, it feels like it's a secret though it's always been beloved for its standout frescoes. A museum's permanent collection is its defining feature: What's in this one? The complex has everything you could want: a palazzo, a courtyard, a garden, and cloisters. But the main draw is the series of frescoes and panels painted by Fra Angelico (c.1400-1450), the convent's best-known resident artist. Are there temporary exhibits? This experience is full-immersion Renaissance: You're stepping into a time capsule. There's no curation, no seasonal exhibits, no pacing—nothing. It's a beautifully preserved convent-cum-museum. What did you make of the crowd? It's an all-ages bunch—you'll find yourself standing next to art lovers, Oltrarno residents, and school groups. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? The Museo di San Marco can be pared down into an hourlong swing through Fra Angelico's greatest hits. Walk through the first-floor Friars' dormitories for the Annunciation and the cells frescoed by Fra Angelico, then look for the Deposition and San Marco Altarpiece." - Erica Firpo