The must-see works at the Accademia in Florence and where to find them
Quick answer
The must-sees at the Accademia in Florence are Michelangelo's David (Tribune), the four Prisoners and St Matthew (the hall leading to the Tribune), Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women (Hall of the Colossus), Botticelli's Madonna of the Sea and the Adimari Cassone. David is 5.17 m tall and was finished in 1504.
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The 10 works you cannot miss
The order follows the natural route through the museum. Locations can change because of loans or restoration; the plan at the entrance is the reference.
- 1
Tribune
David (Michelangelo)
1501-1504. Carrara marble, 5.17 m. It shows David just before the battle, eyes fixed on Goliath. It became a symbol of the Florentine republic.
- 2
Hall of the Prisoners
Young Slave (Michelangelo)
Around 1520-1530. Made for Julius II's tomb, it seems to struggle free of the marble block.
- 3
Hall of the Prisoners
Awakening Slave (Michelangelo)
An unfinished figure that illustrates Michelangelo's idea that sculpture already lies within the stone.
- 4
Hall of the Prisoners
Atlas Slave and Bearded Slave (Michelangelo)
The other two Prisoners show the chisel and the sculptor's work at different stages.
- 5
Hall of the Prisoners
St Matthew (Michelangelo)
Around 1505. The only apostle he began from a commission of twelve for the cathedral.
- 6
Tribune
Palestrina Pietà
An unfinished group whose attribution to Michelangelo is debated.
- 7
Hall of the Colossus
The Rape of the Sabine Women (Giambologna)
A large plaster model for the marble group in the Loggia dei Lanzi, showing the sculptor's preparatory work.
- 8
15th-century painting rooms
Madonna of the Sea (Botticelli)
A small, delicate panel by Botticelli whose attribution many experts accept.
- 9
15th-century painting rooms
Adimari Cassone
Panel from a wedding chest showing a wedding procession in 15th-century Florence; an excellent record of the fashion and city of the day.
- 10
Gothic painting rooms
Tree of Life (Pacino di Bonaguida)
A devotional work of the early 14th century in which the tree of the cross unfolds with scenes from the life of Christ.
How not to miss the best
- Spend half your time in the Tribune of David and walk around the figure.
- Look at David's hands and neck: Michelangelo enlarged them on purpose, to read from below in its original site.
- With AnyArt, point the camera at David and hear his story instantly.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see at the Accademia in Florence?
Michelangelo's David, the four Prisoners and St Matthew, Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women, Florentine painting and the musical instruments collection.
How tall is Michelangelo's David?
5.17 metres on its pedestal, 4.10 m without it. It was carved from a single block of Carrara marble.
Is the David in Piazza della Signoria the original?
No. It is a copy; the original was moved to the Accademia in 1873 to protect it.
Can you touch David?
No. There is a protective barrier and gallery staff.
What other Michelangelo works are in Florence?
The Secret Room (separate ticket), the Medici Chapels (San Lorenzo), the Doni Tondo (Uffizi) and the Bargello.