Palazzo Vecchio is the city's symbolic monument and, for over seven centuries, the seat of its government; it bears extraordinary testimony to all the salient phases of Florence's history and art. It overlooks, with its imposing bulk, Piazza della Signoria.
The Monumental Quarters form the heart of the museum itinerary and include a series of rooms, starting with the grand Salone dei Cinquecento (with a decoration that celebrates Florence, and in particular the Medici dynasty following the advent of Grand Duke Cosimo I), overlooked by the precious Studiolo di Francesco I. A little further on is the Sala dei Duecento. On the upper floors one can admire: the Sala dei Gigli, the Sala dell'Udienza, as well as the so-called Quartieri Medicei (Eleonora di Toledo's Quarters and the Quartiere degli Elementi). Also of interest is the Sala del mappamondo (or the Sala del Guardaroba), with ancient geographical maps, and the Cancelleria, which was the office of Niccolò Machiavelli during the first Florentine Republic. The decorations of the various rooms were made between the 15th and 16th centuries by important artists, including Ghirlandaio, Bronzino, Vasari and his assistans.
Along the museum itinerary are some masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture: Michelangelo's Genius of Victory (Salone dei Cinquecento), Donatello's bronze group of Judith and Holofernes (Sala dei gigli), Verrocchio's Puttino (the one in Michelozzo's courtyard, the main entrance to the Palazzo, is a copy). Other museum tours of Palazzo Vecchio include the Arnolfo Tower, with breathtaking views from the top, and the archaeological area, with the remains of the ancient Roman theatre.
All children who come to Florence should be taken to Palazzo Vecchio. The Mus.e Association organises daily activities for families with children of different age groups, from 4 years upwards, by reservation only. For a fun visit on your own, it is possible to rent a Family Kit (recommended for children from 6 years of age) with a map and other useful items for a visit to the Palazzo or the historical centre under the banner of knowledge, wonder and sharing.
Palazzo Vecchio - Quartieri Monumentali
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
Entrance from the “Cortile della Dogana”, on the left-hand side of the building. The whole palace is accessible, with the exception of mezzanine, rampart walk, Arnolfo Tower and other rooms dedicated to educational activities.
A ramp leads to the equipped toilets (ask the cloakroom employees for the key). The Salone dei Cinquecento and the other areas are accessible by elevator (the door is 75 cm/2,7 ft wide) or through alternative routes (ask the staff). Two wheelchairs are available (ask at the cloakroom).
The Archaeological site called “Excavations of the Roman Theatre” is partially accessible (with an accompanying person). It is closed since March 2020, and it will reopen only when the health emergency will be definitely solved, as it is not possible to guarantee minimum social distancing.
MUS.E Association regularly organizes guided tours and workshops in Palazzo Vecchio and in the other City Museums of Florence for special audiences with visual or hearing impairments and people with intellectual disorders or senile decay. These activities are designed for the specific needs of any of them, to make the museum experience immersive, relevant and enjoyable for all. For information and booking: info@muse.comune.fi.it; + 39 055-2768224.
