Florence is an art hub, offering a variety of impressive galleries. For those studying art and design, an educational visit to the Italian city can offer not only inspiration but also a better understanding of the subject. If you are planning on taking your pupils to Florence, these galleries and museums cannot be missed.
Uffizi Gallery
Before even beginning to admire the art housed inside the Uffizi Gallery, students will be blown away by the building itself. The architect, Giorgio Vasari, incorporated elaborate details throughout this impressive Renaissance building. The art collection on display here was a personal private collection of the Medici family. There is a little bit of everything to explore within its walls; art students are bound to come away with a new dose of inspiration for their work.
There is the vast collection of Roman sculptures, as well as jewels, coins, manuscripts and much more. There are also some notable paintings to be seen, such as Botticelli's Primavera and Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's Tondo Doni, and Leonardo da Vinci's The Annunciation. The Uffizi Gallery also offers some great views of Florence overlooking the Arno River. It is therefore no surprise that the gallery welcomes up to 10,000 people a day.
Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery, one of Florence's most popular art spaces, is well known for Michelangelo's impressive marble sculptures. His world-famous sculpture David, situated at the end of the Hall of the Prisoners, is the highlight of this gallery, although there is also a lot more art to be explored. There are sections dedicated to Florentine Gothic painting, as well late fourteenth-century art. A large array of panel paintings are on display from artists such as Pontormo and Brozino, which offers the perfect opportunity for school groups to intently study this art form and make the most out of their educational visit.
You will also find the Musical Instrument Museum housed inside the Accademia Gallery, which showcases a large collection of instruments and displays the importance of music in Italian history.
San Marco Museum
The San Marco Museum is located in a restored Dominican convent, which is a fascinating piece of architecture. Originally constructed in the fifteenth century, the building showcases some impressive Renaissance design elements. Inside the museum you will find a collection of Fra Angelico's work. Amongst his work students can explore the famous Crucifixion, as well as the Three Marys at the Tomb and Noli me tangere. There are many panel paintings to be found here, offering a great opportunity for student to explore new forms of art. In the underground rooms of the San Marco Museum you can find fragments and relics of the old city centre.
The museums and galleries of Florence are impressive, which is why they attract many visitors each year. Seeking out a specialised educational travel tour operator is the best way to navigate these attractions. It will allow for a smooth educational visit to Florence, enjoyable for everyone involved.
Martin Wynn
