The story of what is now the Museum of the Cathedral began in 1296 when its building was used to house the Opera del Duomo, founded by the Florentine Republic and formed by directors, artists and workers who occupied the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
After the basilica in 1436, the work had the task of ensuring the protection and maintenance of the complex formed by: Duomo, baptistery and Campanile. From 1891 also were open to the public part of the salt used as a museum.
The Museum of the Opera del Duomo, now houses medieval and Renaissance statues and reliefs in marble, bronze and silver of the greatest artists of the time: Arnolfo di Cambio, Andrea Pisano, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Antonio Pollaiuolo, Andrea del Verrocchio, Michelangelo Buonarroti.
The Museum consists of approximately 6000 square meters of exhibition space and is divided into 28 rooms arranged on three floors, inside there are also interesting educational itineraries designed to deepen and encourage pupils/ visitors in learning and discover the beauty in it.
Do not miss the Salone del Paradiso, whose name derives from the life-size reconstruction of the façade of the old cathedral and baptistery. It is worth dwelling also in the Sala della Maddalena which takes its name from the main artwork housed within it: the famous wooden sculpture of "Maddalena Penitente" by Donatello.
The tour ends with the release on a panoramic terrace with a view of the impressive Brunelleschi dome can leave visitors breathless. An unusual view of the beautiful city of Florence.
The Museum is located in Via della Canonica, 1 in Florence.
Is open from 9.00 to 19.00, closed the first Tuesday of every month.
Tel: + 39 055 2302885
Email: opera@operaduomo.firenze.it
Photo Credits [guidemuseifirenze.it]
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