Art School Trip To Florence

The Uffizi Gallery – built in 1560 for Cosimo I de’Medici – is one of the most famous museums of paintings and sculpture in the world. Students can trace the progress not only of Italian art but also the art of Western Europe from the 13th-18th centuries. They can view works by Boticelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci among many others.

Here your group can view major religious paintings of the Renaissance, with the highlight of the original Michelangelo’s David, a milestone in sculpture and an important symbol of Florence. Students can reflect on the context and the importance of this sculpture to the people of the region.

Set in an impressive building built for the Capitano del Popolo in the mid-13th century, this museum houses many important Renaissance sculptures, including masterpieces by Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Michelangelo and Cellini. There are also bronzes, medals, ivories, amber, tapestries, furniture and textiles from the Medici collections and private donors.

Set on the second floor of the Pitti Palace, this gallery has a fine collection of paintings and sculpture, mostly Italian, dating from the late 18th century to World War I.  The gallery makes a fine setting for students to reflect on the art of this grand era. The elegant rooms, formerly inhabited by the Lorraine grand-dukes, are decorated with works of the neo-classical and romantic periods. Photo © Sailko

Set on the first floor of the Pitti Palace this gallery shows an impressive collection of works by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Rubens, Pietro da Cortona and other Italian and European masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The sumptuously framed paintings cover the walls of the rooms in the style of traditional 17th-century picture galleries.

The museum occupies a vast area of the Dominican convent of San Marco, founded in 1436. Fra Angelico, one of the great artists of the Renaissance, frescoed extensive parts of the convent. Students can soak up the serene atmosphere and peruse an important collection of 16th-century paintings, including numerous works by Fra Bartolomeo.

The Boboli Gardens are situated behind the Pitti Palace. Over centuries it has become one of Italy’s largest and most elegant Italian style gardens. The garden includes beautiful sculptures, wonderful fountains and amazing panoramic views.

Tip: This visit can be combined with the visit to the Modern Art Gallery and Galleria Palatina.

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore’s incredible neo-gothic façade is something to behold. Inside are impressive tombs, frescoes and paintings. The Baptistery, a romanesque minor basilica, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. The external imagery, particularly on the 3 bronze doors, is incredibly intricate.