Florence Accademia Gallery Small-Group Guided Tour

The Accademia Gallery was originally established in 1784 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo as part of the Academy of Fine Arts to house a prestigious collection of original masterpieces and classical casts. In 1873 the city of Florence chose this gallery as the permanent home for Michelangelo’s David to protect the masterpiece from the elements in Piazza della Signoria. The location is particularly symbolic as the Accademia sits on the same square where a young Michelangelo first studied the art of sculpting. Beyond the David you will discover Michelangelo’s unfinished "Slaves" or "Prigioni" which appear to be struggling to escape the raw marble. These powerful sculptures offer a rare glimpse into the artist's creative process and his philosophy of "liberating" the figure trapped within the stone. Our expert guide will bring each masterpiece to life by sharing the fascinating history and hidden stories behind the works of one of the world’s greatest artists.