Pitti Palace Tours and Activities

Once home to royalty, this decadent palace now plays host to some of Florence's most important museums and showcases the vast collections of the Medici family.

An art-lover’s dream, some of the city’s most celebrated treasures are on display at the grandiose Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace). Constructed in 1458, this palace was originally home to ambitious Florentine banker, Luca Pitti. It was sold to the Medici family in 1549 and was opened as a public museum in 1919. The Palatine contains a broad collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings. This lavish gallery overflows into the Royal apartments, a suite of 14 rooms formerly used by the Medici family, while the Silver and Carriages museums offer visitors a window into the world of Florence’s most formidable family.Occupying the entire left wing on the first floor, the Palatine reveals the opulent and personal taste of the previous occupants by retaining the character of the gallery as a private collection, rather than ordering the pictures chronologically or by style. Feast your eyes on famous works of art by Rubens, Raphael and Caravaggio on display in the sumptuously decorated rooms.The Gallery of Modern Art is located on the second floor, but don’t be misled by the name. This 30-room gallery actually houses a superb collection of paintings and sculptures dating from the late 18th century to World War I. For those interested in the finery and decadence of Florence’s elite, a visit to the Silver, Porcelain and Costumes museums is also a must.For a break from the indoors, step outside and enjoy some fresh air in the famous Boboli Gardens. Marvel at one of the largest and most elegant Italian-style gardens which houses a fine collection of sculptures.Situated on the south side of the Arno River in the Piazza di Pitti, the Pitti Palace is one of Florence’s largest architectural monuments. The palace is closed on Mondays, May 1, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Day. Make sure to check the Polo Museale Fiorentino website (an institution which administers art works) for a schedule and ticket prices as the galleries have different opening hours and separate admission fees. Rent audio guides from the gallery to make your tour even more enjoyable and pull up a chair and relax at the café located in the courtyard.