Since ancient times, Italy has been home to some of the world’s greatest works of art and history. From the Emperor Nero to the modern day, curators have sought the most magnificent pieces for their collections, and in doing so have created some of the world’s greatest museums and galleries. No trip to Italy is complete without viewing at least some of the magnificent collections the country has to offer. Below, we suggest our top 5 Museums and Galleries.
Vatican Museums – Vatican City, Rome
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican Museums. Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, with art and sculpture from his own collections, the Vatican has one of the largest collections in the world.
The Museums house everything one could think of. Ancient Roman sculpture such as the incredible Laocoon Group. Paintings by Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo and many more masters. The former Papal Apartments of Julius II, decorated exquisitely in fresco by Raphael and his pupils. A large collection of Modern Art including the likes of Dali, Chagall and Van Gogh.
The highlight, undoubtedly, is the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo worked for four years on the ceiling, and another four on the Altar Wall, to create possibly the most awe-inspiring chapel in Christendom.
Uffizi Gallery – Florence
Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and so unsurprisingly it boasts one of the greatest collections of Renaissance art. Formed from the former collections of the Medici family, the Uffizi houses works by the greatest names of art history.
From the first Renaissance works of Giotto to the early Baroque of Caravaggio, the entire course of the Renaissance is on display. Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael are all represented, though the gallery’s highlight is possibly the greatest works of Florence’s own Sandro Botticelli – The Birth of Venus and Primavera.
Galleria Dell’Accademia – Florence
The Accademia, while a relatively small and modest gallery, is home to possibly the world’s most famous statue – Michelangelo’s David. Often replicated but never bettered, this is the only place to see the masterpiece that made Michelangelo the major player of the sixteenth century art world.
While David dominates the space with it’s incredible size and magnificence, it is not the only piece worth seeing in the Accademia. Also on display are four unfinished statues by Michelangelo – the Prisoners – intended for the never-finished tomb of Pope Julius II. Other artists whose works are featured include Botticelli and Michelangelo’s former teacher, Domenico Ghirlandaio.
National Archaeological Museum – Naples
The National Archaeological Museum in Naples houses one of the world’s greatest collection of Ancient Roman and Greek artifacts and artworks. Not surprisingly, given the proximity of Naples, many of the pieces come from the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The burial of the towns preserved many priceless pieces from looting and destruction, and they can now be viewed in the museum.
A highlight is the incredible Alexander Mosaic. Taken from the House of the Faun in Pompeii, this huge mosaic depicts Alexander the Great in battle against Darius of Persia, and was based on a lost Greek masterpiece painting. Also visible are many smaller mosaics and everyday objects, while an interesting area is the ‘Secret Cabinet’. This small collection of erotic artifacts was off limits to the public for many years, but is now open to all – though anyone under the age of 14 must still be accompanied by an adult.
Museo Egizio – Turin
Recently re-opened after a five year restoration, the Egyptian Museum in Turin boasts the world’s second largest collection of Egyptian artifacts – only Cairo has larger. Relatively overlooked, this museum is definitely worth a visit for anybody with any historical interest, and even for those without.
Highlights include the fantastic statue of Ramesses II with Amun and Hathor, one of the world’s largest Papyrus collections and the splendid Tomb of Kha and Merit.
Those That Didn’t Make The Cut…
Unfortunately, as with any Top 5 list, we had to leave some great museums and galleries out, though we include some of the other entrants below:
Borghese Gallery, Rome – An outstanding collection including masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio among many others.
Capitoline Museums, Rome – The World’s Oldest Museum, featuring fantastic ancient sculpture such as The Dying Gaul, the bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the remains of a colossal statue of Constantine the Great.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice – Possibly Italy’s best Modern Art collection, displaying Picasso, Dali and more.
Brera Gallery, Milan – Milan’s premier gallery, featuring works by Italian artists including Raphael, as well as international greats such as Rubens and Van Dyck.
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