Michelangelo’s David is one of the most iconic works of the Renaissance and a true symbol of Florence. This marble sculpture, standing 5.17 meters tall, captures the biblical hero in extraordinary detail and is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces in art history.
If you’re planning a trip to Florence, securing your ticket to see Michelangelo’s original David should be a top priority. This guide will help you navigate everything from booking tickets to choosing the best time to visit.
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Where to Find Michelangelo’s David in Florence
The original David is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, a short walk from Florence’s historic center.
While there are two famous replicas in the city—one in Piazza della Signoria and another at Piazzale Michelangelo—only the original sculpture, located in the Accademia, fully conveys Michelangelo’s artistic brilliance.
Two of the statues are copies, one located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, and the other in Piazzale Michelangelo. None of the copies, however, can match the beauty and grandeur of the original.
Read: The best hotels for art lovers in Florence
How to Book Tickets to See David
The Galleria dell’Accademia is a popular destination, and tickets often sell out, especially during peak tourist season. Below you’ll find the information for booking through the official retailer with a non-refundable reservation policy:
| Category | Price | Online Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | €13.00 | buy here |
| Reduced (EU youth 18-25 years) | €3.00 | buy here |
| 0-17 years | €0.00 | buy here |
Please note: Online reservations carry a nominal fee of €3-4.
For flexible travel plans, consider purchasing your tickets via Get Your Guide, where a free cancellation policy typically extends up to 24 hours prior to the designated entry date.
Another possibility is to book a group tour that already includes tickets in the price of the tour.
Book a group tour to see Michelangelo’s David (available for purchase on Get Your Guide)
Tips for Visiting on a Budget
On the first Sunday of each month, the Galleria dell’Accademia participates in the Italian Ministry of Culture’s #domenicalmuseo initiative, offering free entry. Note that advance reservations aren’t available for these dates, so arriving early is key to avoiding long lines.
Why Michelangelo’s David Is a Must-See
The original David by Michelangelo is a 5.17-meter-high marble statue created by Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Due to the genius attributed to the work, it was chosen as the ultimate symbol of the Republic of Florence. Michelangelo spent three years completing the sculpture, starting in 1501 and finishing it in 1504, revealing it on September 8th.
Before Michelangelo was commissioned to create the sculpture, the block of Carrara marble that he used had been exposed to the elements for 25 years in the courtyard of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The marble block had been damaged to the point of decreasing in size. Other sculptors had been commissioned to create the work but, for various reasons, were not interested. This block had been rejected by great masters such as Duccio, Baccelino, and Roselino.
In this work, Michelangelo is considered an innovator, as he portrays the character not after the battle against Goliath (as Donatello and Verrochio did before him), but at the moment immediately before it, when David is just preparing to face a force that everyone believed was impossible to defeat. Michelangelo used the realism of the nude body and the predominance of curved lines in this work.
The David by Michelangelo remained in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria until 1873, when it was moved to the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, where it can be admired today.
The best time to visit the David by Michelangelo
Opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm.
The gallery is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
The lines to visit the original David by Michelangelo are always long, especially during the period between April and October. To avoid queues and crowds, it is recommended to visit the David early in the morning or late in the day when day-trippers have not yet arrived or have already left the city. However, during the high season, it is highly recommended to book in advance as tickets may be sold out at the time
In conclusion, the David by Michelangelo is an iconic masterpiece of the Renaissance, famous for its anatomical accuracy and innovation in portraying the character before the battle. Despite there being copies of the statue, only the original can truly showcase Michelangelo’s genius and artistic mastery, and it remains a must-see for art lovers visiting Florence.
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