The Academy Gallery lies on a site once occupied by two convents. The core of the collection was established in 1784 when Peter Leopold donated a group of ancient paintings to the Academy of Fine Arts so they might serve as practice models for students. Various works from Florentine churches and convents were subsequently added. In 1873 Michelangelo’s David was moved to the Accademia from Piazza Signoria (where it was replaced with a copy), and in the 20th century other works by the master also arrived: the four Prisoners, Saint Matthew, and the Palestrina Pietà.
The rooms devoted to Florentine painting offer an overview of art produced in the period from Giotto to Masaccio. The gallery also houses plaster models of works by 19th-century Tuscan sculptors. In the same building there is the Museum of Musical Instruments, comprising about fifty items collected by the grand dukes between the second half of the 17th and the first half of the 19th century; these include a tenor viola, a Stradivari violin dating to 1716 and a cello made by Niccolò Amati in 1650. Also on display in the museum is the oldest upright piano still existing.
Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze
via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
Completely accessible for the disabled in a wheelchair. The entry and ticket office are accessible in the street at number 60. The following rooms are also completely accessible: Hall of the Colossus, Musical Instruments, Gallery of the Slaves, Tribuna of David, Giotto and Giottesque printers room, 13th and Early 14th Century Room, Orcagna Room, temporary exhibitions, Plaster Cast Gallery (accessible through a slightly steep ramp) and bookshop.
On the ground floor, next to the stairs leading to the first floor there is an elevator and a toilet for the disabled. To visit the rooms on the first floor (Lorenzo Monaco and Late Gothic Painting Room) there are two stairlifts which can carry 250 kg/551 lbs (size 70 cm x 83). Free and priority access for the disabled and their carer.
