The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses, for conservation reasons, a whole series of works of art from the Santa Maria del Fiore complex (Cathedral, Baptistery and Bell Tower). A complete refurbishment, inaugurated in 2015, has enhanced the extraordinary collection documenting the history of Florentine sculpture during the building of the Duomo, starting with Arnolfo di Cambio's amazing reconstruction of the ancient façade.
The museum houses some fundamental works of Italian art, such as the Cantorie (choirs' tribunes) by Donatello and Luca della Robbia, which are among the most significant moments of 15th-century sculpture. Other iconic sculptures include Donatello's Penitent Magdalene, a wooden figure of strong realism from the mid 15th century, and Michelangelo's intense ‘Bandini’ Pietà, a masterpiece of the great artist's maturity. One section is entirely dedicated to the doors of the Baptistery, where the panels of the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti stand out.
There are also various wooden models of the dome and a series of tools documenting the work of the workers at the time of Brunelleschi's building site. Belonging to the Cathedral Treasury is the Altar of St. John, a masterpiece of 15th-century Florentine goldsmithing, made for the Baptistery.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
The main entrance is connected to the street level. The museum is fully accessible and provided with elevators giving access to the three floors and the terrace. Disabled toilets are also available. Rooms are equipped with seats to rest. Inside the museum, it is possible to find maps to get oriented.
Furthermore, a tactile path called “TouchAble”is available. It offers a deep and exciting experience to people with visual impairments, and develop a multi-sensory fruition of the works of art.
Wheelchairs are provided both at the Cathedral and at the Museum. Staff is always ready to help. Admission to the entire complex is free of charge for disabled people and their carer, showing id and disabled certification at the ticket office. For more information and reservations: accessibilita@duomo.firenze.it.
