Oh, the David! Michelangelo’s world-famous sculpture, David, is one of the ultimate Renaissance masterpieces, and among the most famous statues in all of Italy.
It’s certainly the highlight of any visit to the Accademia Gallery in Florence, where it lives!
If you have a couple of days in the city, I highly recommend adding the statue of David (and the rest of the Galleria Accademia) to your Florence itinerary. Especially if you’re an art lover, but not exclusively!
Crafted from a block of marble by 26-year-old Michelangelo, this 16th-century art piece has drawn visitors from all over the world. And you might be one of them!
To make sure your experience goes smoothly, I’ve compiled all the information you need for visiting the site in this article.
From the best tickets and tours to practical tips on how to get there and what you’ll get to see (besides the famous sculpture, duh!), everything is listed below.
Why trust my recommendations for the Statue of David in Florence? I grew up in Bologna, not far from Florence, and have visited the city many, many times. I’ve been fascinated by Michelangelo’s David since we were studying it in school.
With 10 years of experience curating itineraries and tips for readers like you, combined with my local insights, you can be sure I will try and make your experience in Florence memorable.
Table of Contents
WHERE IS THE STATUE OF DAVID IN FLORENCE?
The location of the statue of David is Galleria dell’Accademia (Accademia Gallery).
At the beginning of the 20th century, the statue was originally placed in Piazza della Signoria. However, the exposure to the elements threatened to deteriorate it, and it was then moved to the galleria, where it now resides.
Accademia Gallery Opening Hours
The Accademia Gallery opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 AM to 6.20 PM. It’s closed on Mondays.
How To Get to the David Statue
Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David lives, is situated in Via Ricasoli. It can be reached on foot from anywhere in central Florence, including the train station, which is a 15-minute walk away.
If you’d rather use public transportation, the closest bus station is Piazza Di San Marco. Lines 14A, 6B, 17, 23A, 6A, and 20 stop at this station.
Statue of David Tickets & Tours
To visit the famed Michelangelo’s David in Italy, you’ll need to book your Accademia Gallery tickets or tour in advance. It’s one of the top museums in the city, and the line at the ticket booth can be one hour long – especially during the high season!
To avoid this you should get to the attraction with your tickets in hand (or on your phone). Preferably, get skip-the-line access to avoid the queue for entrance as well. The summer heat can be cruel!
➤ The Timed Entrance Ticket to Michelangelo’s David offers priority access, so you don’t have to stand in line. You’ll then get to stay at the museum for as long as you wish. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Skip-the-Line Accademia Guided Tour is led by a knowledgeable historian guide. You’ll learn all about David’s transformation from a block of marble to a masterpiece, and facts about the life and work of Michelangelo. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The David and Accademia Gallery Private Tour in Florence offers personalized attention by your appointed guide. You’ll be taken around the museum, discovering other works by Michelangelo and other artists at the David’s museum in Florence. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
TOURS OF FLORENCE WITH THE STATUE OF DAVID
If you have limited time in Florence, you could combine a visit to the Accademia Gallery with other attractions. You could otherwise go on a comprehensive walking tour of the city.
OUR PICK: A VIP Tour of Florence with David
The greatest tour is this VIP David & Duomo Tour: Early Accademia Tour & Skip the Line Dome Climb with Exclusive Terrace Access. With a strong focus on art and architecture, it takes you to Florence’s most incredible attractions.
You’ll visit the Accademia Gallery and stand in front of the iconic David before or after the crowds. Then, head to the rooftop terraces of Santa Maria del Fiore for astounding views, and skip the lines to access the Duomo, an architectural masterpiece. An expert guide will answer all your questions throughout the tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The Florence in a Day With David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour allows you to see most of the city highlights in one day. You’ll skip the lines to see Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia, and enjoy art at Uffizi Gallery. Visit Ponte Vecchio, the Leather Market, and Piazza della signoria as you learn all about the Renaissance movement in its birthplace. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ This Fully Guided Tour of Uffizi, Michelangelo’s David and Accademia is a great way to discover the city’s highlights. You’ll visit Piazza del Duomo, wander around the historic town, and skip the line at Galleria dell’Accademia and Uffizi Gallery. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ This Florence: 4-Hour Private Tour Including Uffizi & Accademia takes you around the main sights and landmarks. Then, you’ll get to discover the art and history of Renaissance Florence at Galleria dell’Accademia and Uffizi Gallery. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Florence City Pass
You could also consider getting a combo ticket or city pass to get the most value for your time and money.
➤ The Florence City Pass offers skip the line tickets for Brunelleschi’s Dome and Uffizi Gallery, as well as an audio guide to make the most of your visit. You can also upgrade it to include Galleria dell’Accademia, and discover the history of the famous statue of David. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
What You’ll Find at the Accademia Gallery
Accademia Gallery is widely known for housing the marble sculpture of David in Florence. But there’s much more to see at this art museum besides the 17-feet statue, including other remarkable works by Michelangelo.
Among the gallery’s main displays, you’ll find Giambologna’s Abduction of the Sabine Women, one of the most renowned works by the artist. There’s also Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners and St. Matthew statue.
Paintings by Botticelli hang on the walls, along with work by Perugino, Filippino Lippi, and Baldovinetti.
A Florentine Gothic Gallery displays Gothic art from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Then there’s the Museum of Musical Instruments, with violins and violas by Stradivari, and an area dedicated to Cristofori, the inventor of the piano. You’ll also find instruments from the 17th century that belonged to the Medici family.
The History of David
Michelangelo took on the project of sculpting the David when he was 26 years old, and it was created over the course of 4 years, from 1501 to 1504.
It represents the character of the biblical story David and Goliath, in which David, a simple shepherd boy, was able to defeat the giant Goliath using merely a sling and a rock.
The statue shows David standing before the battle, and if you look closely you can see the sling in his right hand. It soon became a symbol of freedom and strength for the Florentine people.
Tips for Your Visit to the David in Florence
What’s the best time to visit the Statue of David?
If you want to avoid the crowds, you should aim to visit very early in the morning, or late in the afternoon.
Right before noon and in the early afternoon is when most visitors choose to explore the gallery, and it can get really packed.
How much time do you need for your visit?
If you don’t buy skip-the-line tickets in advance, you should plan for several hours, as the queue can be one hour long or more during the summer.
Otherwise, around 2 hours should be enough to explore the Accademia Gallery and its main exhibitions.
What should you know before visiting the David in Florence?
▶️ It’s imperative to book your tickets in advance to avoid being stuck in line for hours – people come from all over the world to see the artists’ work!
▶️ On the first Sunday of every month, entrance to Accademia Gallery is free for everyone. Tickets cannot be booked for these dates, so you should arrive early to avoid the long queues.
▶️ The Accademia Gallery is fully accessible. While there is a step at the main entrance, visitors with strollers or wheelchairs can enter the building via a ramp on the exit door.
▶️ Photos are allowed as long as no flash is used.
▶️ Visitors up to 17 years old enjoy free entrance to the museum.
➤ This Kid-Friendly Florence and Accademia Tour with Michelangelo’s David and City Wonders is perfect for families. The guide will bring the sculptures to life with stories and games, teaching them in a very fun way. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Things To Do Near the Accademia Gallery
Here are a few other unmissable things to do around the Accademia:
- Climb the Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Visit the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- Wander around the Mercato Centrale
- Visit Opera del Duomo Museum
- Be mesmerized at the Uffizi Gallery
- Walk over the iconic Ponte Vecchio
