The largest museum in Florence is the historical home of the Medici family. It actually contains seven separate museums and over 500 pieces of Renaissance art in one of them alone. I aim to provide some insight as to the contents of each place, so you can plan your visit accordingly. What to see in the beautiful Palazzo Pitti Palace might surprise you.
Brief History
Originally build by a banker in 1458, as his home, it was purchased by the Medici family in 1549 and became their principal residence. The Medici filled the 32,000 sq/mt space with pieces of art and treasures, which were eventually left to the City of Florence. It is these historical and invaluable assets that make up the seven museums of Pitti.
Palatine Gallery
The main and largest gallery in the Palazzo Pitti is the Palatine Gallery. It contains 28 extraordinary rooms and over 500 pieces of art by painters such as Raphael, Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio. These paintings are arranged on the walls much as they would have been in the 16th & 17th centuries.
The grand rooms, with frescoed ceilings and heavy baroque decorative features are stunning. It becomes difficult to focus on the art, when the surrounding space is so overwhelming.
Visitors can seek out specific pieces of Italian Renaissance art or simply wander through the vast space and absorb all that surrounds you. Don’t forget to look out the windows too. The Florentine skyline is simply magic, even on a cloudy and rainy day such as mine.
Royal Apartments
These are 14 smaller rooms, much less decorative than those in the Palatine Gallery. Not a humble abode by any stretch of the imagination, however it is interesting to see the status of everyday living.
A favourite for me to see is the bathroom. Very simply decorated, I imagine it with light before electricity, those flames dancing across the walls. The Green Room is especially lovely, with the grand chandelier and period furnishings. These rooms were used right up until the 1920’s by the last kings of Italy.
Gallery of Modern Art
I was a little thrown by these 30 rooms, expecting ‘modern’ art in my mind, which equates to contemporary. The paintings and sculpture in this gallery are anything but that genre. Instead find pieces dating from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century.
Rooms are mostly light and bright with a few having the most beautifully painted ceilings. One room towards the end contains an absolutely massive piece depicting a battle scene.
Costume Gallery
This was a favourite of mine, without a doubt, truly enchanting. Various pieces of clothing from all ages and a myriad of Italian designers, are artfully displayed.
Walk slowly through these rooms, around each glass case of the earliest dresses. The accessories are just as exquisite as the clothing themselves.
As visitors progress down the halls, the age becomes newer. Seeing the styles change through the centuries and decades is marvelous. The early 1920’s beaded flapper dresses, then onto the 1950’s with the full skirts and large bows. Absolutely gorgeous is how I would best describe the Costume Gallery.
Russian Icons Museum
This little treasure is located across the inner courtyard of the palace. Inside here, the walls are a dim grey, allowing the golden brightly coloured icons to shine. This collection, showcasing 18th century pieces from Russia, only opened in 2022.
Palace Chapel
In the same area as the Icons Museum is the Palace Chapel. The singular room is a beautiful example of neoclassical design.
Pitti Café
If you are in need of a little rest at any point of this visit, come down to the courtyard and have a seat at the Pitti Café. Prices are high, but sometimes, the rest is required, more to let the mind adjust and absorb what it has seen. I ordered a lovely cappuccino and a specialty of the region called Budino di riso which is a rice pudding in a tart shell. Total for the two items was €11 but they overcharged and $30 CAD went onto my credit card. 😢
If you plan to visit the Palazzo Pitti, you will have no shortage of amazing things to see. It can take a few hours or an entire day, the choice is yours. I had purchased a combination ticket and for €58 was able to see the Uffizi, Vasari Corridor, Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens over a period of five consecutive days. Well worth the cost for the chance to take in these amazing sights in beautiful Firenze.
