If you love art (or are just curious!), the Accademia Gallery is a must-visit museum in Florence.
Right in the heart of this beautiful Renaissance city, the gallery is home to one of the most famous sculptures in the world: Michelangelo’s David.
Standing at over 17 feet tall, David is a true masterpiece that attracts millions of visitors each year. But there’s more to the Galleria dell’Accademia than just David.
According to the official website, the Accademia has welcomed art lovers since 1784 and remains one of Florence’s most visited attractions.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before buying tickets for the Accademia Gallery.
Top Tickets
# Self-guided entry ticket
# Priority entry ticket
# Guided Tour
Table of Contents
When all was finished, it cannot be denied that this work has carried off the palm from all other statues, modern or ancient, Greek or Latin; no other artwork is equal to it in any respect, with such just proportion, beauty and excellence did Michelagnolo finish it.
Giorgio Vasari, Italian painter and architect
When & where to buy Accademia Gallery tickets
If you’re planning to visit the Accademia Gallery in Florence, you can buy your tickets in two ways: online in advance or at the museum entrance.
However, booking online is highly recommended—especially during peak tourist season.
Why book online?
- Online tickets are often cheaper than at-the-door prices.
- You can skip the long queues at the ticket counter.
- You get to choose your preferred time slot, which helps avoid the crowds.
After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket. No need to print it—just show your e-ticket on your phone when you arrive, and you’re in!
Accademia Gallery ticket prices
Visiting the Accademia Gallery in Florence doesn’t have to break the bank. The most popular and affordable ticket option is just €23 for adults aged 25 and over. This skip-the-line ticket includes timed entry, allowing you to bypass long waits at the museum.
Want even faster access?
For €42, you can book a priority entrance ticket that lets you breeze through an express security line—perfect if you’re short on time.
Prefer a deeper experience?
A guided tour of the Accademia Gallery, including expert insights on Michelangelo’s David and other masterpieces, is also available starting around €42.
Want to see more?
A combo guided tour that includes both the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery is priced at €139 per participant.
Unlock Florence with one card: Skip the lines, save money, and explore more with the Florence Card. Get fast-track access to top attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s Dome—all with one pass.
Opening hours of the Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm, with the last admission at 6:20 pm. The museum begins closing procedures 10 minutes before closing time, so access to certain areas like the Musical Instruments rooms and first-floor exhibitions ends at 6:40 pm.
The Accademia Gallery is closed every Monday, as well as on 1 January and 25 December.
Special evening hours (Summer 2025)
From 3 June to 22 July 2025, the gallery will stay open later on Tuesdays, closing at 10 pm. The last entry on these days is at 9:15 pm, giving you more time to enjoy a relaxed evening visit.
Free admission days
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| 5 Jan 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 2 Feb 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 2 Mar 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 6 Apr 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 25 Apr 2025 | Liberation Day (National Holiday) |
| 4 May 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 1 Jun 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 2 Jun 2025 | Republic Day (National Holiday) |
| 6 Jul 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 3 Aug 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 7 Sep 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 5 Oct 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 2 Nov 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
| 4 Nov 2025 | National Unity and Armed Forces Day |
| 7 Dec 2025 | First Sunday of the month |
Tips for visiting on free days
- Arrive Early: Free admission days are popular and can get crowded. Arriving early increases your chances of a shorter wait.
- No Reservations: Advance booking is not available on these days; entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Plan Ahead: Consider visiting other nearby attractions if the line is long, and return later in the day.
According to Britannica, the statue was originally intended for the Florence Cathedral. However, it was placed in the city’s public square, where it stood for over 300 years before being relocated to the Accademia in 1873 for preservation.
How long does the Accademia Gallery take?
Visitors spend about 60 to 90 minutes exploring the Accademia Gallery. You can see the main highlights—including Michelangelo’s David—in under 90 minutes.
The museum is smaller and easier to navigate compared to places like the Uffizi Gallery, making it perfect for those with limited time.
Guided tours typically last about 1 hour, providing a focused and informative experience without feeling rushed.
Best time to visit the Accademia Gallery
The best time to visit the Accademia Gallery is right when it opens at 8:15 am. Early mornings are peaceful, with fewer crowds, giving you a better chance to enjoy masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David without the rush.
The natural lighting during this time makes the sculptures look even more impressive.
Aim for Tuesday to Thursday—these days are usually less crowded than weekends. Another good option is the late afternoon when the early crowd has thinned out.
Layout of the Accademia Gallery
The main entrance of the Accademia Gallery is located on Via Ricasoli, 58/60. Get Directions
As you enter the Accademia Gallery Museum, you’ll find yourself in the Hall of the Colossus, where large sculptures and religious artworks immediately grab your attention. This space sets the tone for the rest of the gallery.
The most iconic part of the museum is the Gallery of the Prisoners (Galleria dei Prigioni), a long corridor that leads directly to Michelangelo’s David.
Along this path, you’ll see several unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo, known as the “Prisoners” or “Slaves,” which give a fascinating glimpse into his creative process.
At the end of the corridor stands the breathtaking Statue of David, placed under a skylit dome in the Tribuna del David—the museum’s highlight.
To the sides and behind this main gallery are smaller rooms that house various collections, including:
- The Hall of the Musical Instruments, which displays rare 17th and 18th-century instruments from the Medici collection.
- The Florentine Gothic Rooms, featuring religious paintings and panel art from the 13th to 15th centuries.
- The Hall of the Nineteenth Century, showcasing artworks and sculptures from a later period.
Upstairs, there are temporary exhibition rooms and more works of art, offering a quieter space for visitors who wish to explore further.
Overall, the layout is visitor-friendly and well signposted, making it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
Download the Accademia Gallery’s map (1.3 Mb, PDF)
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FAQs about Accademia Gallery, Florence
Planning a visit to the Accademia Gallery in Florence? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your experience.
Can I buy Accademia Gallery tickets at the door?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the entrance, but we recommend buying Accademia tickets online. This helps you avoid long lines, especially during peak season when wait times can stretch from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The ticket office closes at 6:20 PM, and the museum shuts at 6:50 PM.
Is there a waiting time to enter the Accademia Gallery?
Since the Accademia Gallery is smaller yet popular, entry is limited to around 200 people at a time. You might have to wait about 15 minutes or more to get inside during busy hours—even with a ticket.
Can I take photos inside the Accademia Gallery?
No, photography is not allowed inside the Accademia Gallery. This rule is meant to protect the artworks, especially Michelangelo’s David, from potential damage caused by flash photography and large crowds.
Are guided tours available at the Accademia Gallery?
Yes, you can book a guided tour of the Accademia Gallery, and it’s well worth it. A local expert will walk you through the museum and share interesting stories, context, and details about the art you’re seeing.
Why is Michelangelo’s “David” so important?
Michelangelo’s David is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture. It represents ideal human form, strength, and artistic perfection. At over 17 feet tall, its detail and expression continue to inspire awe centuries after it was created.
Is there a combined ticket for the Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery?
Yes! You can book a combo guided tour of the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, which usually saves you around 10% of the ticket price. Visiting both museums in one day is possible and a great way to enjoy Florence’s top art treasures.
Is the Accademia Gallery bigger than the Uffizi Gallery?
No, the Uffizi Gallery is much larger than the Accademia. But that’s not a downside—Accademia’s smaller size means it’s easier to explore without feeling overwhelmed. You can see the highlights, including David, in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Does the Accademia Gallery have parking?
There is no parking directly at the Accademia Gallery, but several parking garages are available nearby, including:
– Garage Alfani
– Garage Michelangelo
– Park2Go Parcheggio Firenze
If you’re driving, it’s best to park at one of these and walk to the museum.
