The Legacy of the Last Medici: Free Museums in Florence on Feb 18

If you’re planning to be in Florence this Wednesday, February 18, 2026, you’re in for a cultural treat—with no admission fees required.

The city is offering free entry to its Civic Museums to commemorate Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, the last descendant of the Grand Ducal House of Medici. February 18 marks the anniversary of her death in 1743, and Florence honors her memory with this annual tradition.

While the Medici name is synonymous with Renaissance power and patronage, Anna Maria Luisa deserves singular recognition. She’s the reason why Florence remains the art capital of the world today.

The Last Medici: the Woman Who Saved Florence’s Art

Before the Medici dynasty ended, Anna Maria Luisa drafted the “Family Pact” (Patto di Famiglia) with her successors, the Lorraine family. This legally binding agreement ensured that the entire Medici art collection—galleries, paintings, statues, libraries, and jewels—could never be removed from Florence or the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

Her condition was crystal clear: the art was to remain for “the ornament of the State, for the utility of the Public, and to attract the curiosity of foreigners.”

Without her foresight, masterpieces from the Uffizi and Pitti Palace could have been scattered across European royal courts centuries ago. As a modern-day visitor to Florence, you’re directly benefiting from her determination to preserve the city’s heritage.

Special Event: Meet the Electress at Palazzo Vecchio

To honor her legacy, the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio and MUS.E are hosting a unique “Living History” event throughout the day.

Visitors can “meet” the Electress Palatina herself through a historical reenactment. Actress Giaele Monaci brings Anna Maria Luisa to life, while historian Andrea Verga provides context about her character and the circumstances that led to the creation of the Family Pact.

Event Details:

• When: Wednesday, Feb 18 at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm
• Where: Palazzo Vecchio Museum, Piazza Signoria 1
• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: Free
• Reservation: Mandatory. Book by calling +39 055-2768224 or emailing info@musefirenze.it Info: Muse

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Free Entry to Civic Museums on February 18

Even if you don’t attend the reenactment, you can take advantage of complimentary admission to multiple Florence Civic Museums throughout the day.

Here are the participating locations and their opening hours:

• Museo di Palazzo Vecchio: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Tower of Arnolfo: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Note: In case of rain, only the walkway is accessible)
• Santa Maria Novella: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Museo Novecento: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Brancacci Chapel: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• MAD (Murate Art District): 2:30 pm – 7:30 pm

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This is a rare opportunity to experience Florence’s artistic treasures without the usual admission fees, all while honoring the woman whose vision made it possible. Mark your calendar and book your spot for the living history event—it’s an experience that brings centuries of Florentine heritage to life.