8 Hidden Collections to Discover This Summer
The Bargello is a museum that rewards curiosity. This summer, take the time to explore its quieter corners—you’ll find treasures to cherish long after you leave its ancient walls.
The National Museum of the Bargello is a jewel box. From the outside, its fortress-like walls and crenellated tower may seem intimidating (after all, it was a prison for over 500 years!), but step inside and you’ll discover a treasure trove that grows on you with each visit. The Bargello is like that ring you inherited from your grandmother: its beauty deepens the more you look. And best of all, it’s rarely crowded—a true Florentine secret.
Most visitors come for the headline acts: Donatello, Michelangelo, and the grand parade of Renaissance sculpture. Yet, the Bargello also houses a dazzling array of “decorative arts”—ivories, jewelry, metalwork, ceramics, glazed terracotta, tapestries, coins, armor, small bronzes, and all manner of “wunderkammer” curiosities. This summer, I invite you to look beyond the obvious and seek out some of the museum’s most enchanting yet overlooked collections.
Summer 2025 Opening Hours and Events
The Bargello Museum welcomes visitors from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm, Wednesday through Monday. On Sundays, the museum closes at 1:50 pm. Please note: the museum is closed on Tuesdays and on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
For the latest on summer events, concerts, and special evening openings, check the official Bargello Museums Events Calendar. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Bargello’s courtyard under the stars!
Eight Hidden Collections to Seek Out
1. The Carrand Collection of Decorative Arts
Louis Carrand’s bequest from 19th-century Lyon is a true cabinet of curiosities: over 3,300 objects, from Byzantine treasures to medieval aquamaniles and rare enamels. The sheer diversity and craftsmanship will delight anyone with an eye for the unusual and the exquisite.
2. The Hall of Ivories
This intimate room is a sanctuary of carved wonders—Roman, Byzantine, and medieval ivories, including a 9th-century liturgical flail and a chessboard that looks as if it could spring to life. The artistry in these small objects is simply breathtaking.
3. The Islamic Room (Franchetti Collection)
Step into a world of cross-cultural marvels: carpets, bronzes, and ivories from the Islamic world, including an ebony casket inlaid with semi-precious stones. This collection is a testament to Florence’s centuries-old connections with distant lands.
4. The Maiolica Room
A riot of color and whimsy, this gallery traces the story of Italian ceramics from rustic Tuscan shards to the elaborate “istoriato” plates of Renaissance Umbria. It’s a feast for the eyes—and for anyone interested in the history of daily life.
5. The Jewelry and Small Treasures Case
Here you’ll find intimate relics of personal adornment, such as a Central European ruby wedding ring lined with velvet. These objects tell stories of love, status, and sentiment across the centuries.
6. The Bronze Handwarmer
A Venetian marvel from the 16th century, this ornate bronze ball was designed to keep hands warm during chilly church services. It’s a beautiful example of Renaissance ingenuity—practical, luxurious, and a conversation starter.
7. The Magdalene Chapel
Once the site of final prayers for death-row prisoners, this 13th-century chapel features frescoes of penitent saints and a tiny wooden crucifix recently attributed to Michelangelo. The atmosphere is hushed and deeply moving—a must-see for lovers of art and history.
8. The Verone and Loggia’s Bronze Animals
Venture into the open-air loggia to discover Giambologna’s playful bronze animals, originally created for the Medici Villa di Castello. These lively sculptures are a delight for all ages and a testament to the Renaissance fascination with nature.
Practical Information
- Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4 – 50122 Firenze
- Free Entry: The Bargello offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month from October to March.
- Tip: Book your tickets in advance—Florence is always in high season. Call me and we can incorporate the tickets and a guided tour into a wonderful experience.
