Michelangelo's Statue of David (Il Davide di Michelangelo)

The Basics

Michelangelo’s David is one of the most popular sights in Florence, if not the entire world, and there are always long lines to enter the Accademia Gallery. To avoid waiting for hours under the hot Florentine sun, book skip-the-line tickets in advance or join a guided city tour that includes admission. Such tours typically stop at the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio too. Once you’re inside, don't miss the four unfinished statues by Michelangelo, known as the Slaves or Prisoners.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Experiencing David is an absolute must for art lovers, Renaissance fans, and pretty much all first-time visitors to Florence.

• Luggage, large bags, and backpacks are not allowed inside the gallery, and there is no coat or baggage check.

• Save time with skip-the-line access or guided tours that include admission.

• The gallery is entirely accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Galleria dell’Accademia is located in the heart of Florence, an easy walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria.

When to Get There

Florence’s Accademia Gallery is open from the morning 'til the evening, Tuesday through Sunday; final entry is about an hour before closing. The gallery is most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, so consider reserving a private tour with exclusive early morning access to enjoy the famous statue before the throngs of daily visitors arrive. The gallery is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Inauspicious Beginnings

David, created from flawed and partially carved marble, didn't initially seem destined for greatness. Originally intended for the Duomo, the finished statue proved too heavy to hoist and was instead placed at the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. Not long after the statue was unveiled, rioters threw a chair which broke David's arm in three places. Finally, in 1873, David was moved to the safety of the Accademia Gallery, and a replica—one of many—now marks the spot where the original once stood.

Ways to explore

Michelangelo’s David is one of the most popular sights in Florence, if not the entire world, and there are always long lines to enter the Accademia Gallery. To avoid waiting for hours under the hot Florentine sun, book skip-the-line tickets in advance or join a guided city tour that includes admission. Such tours typically run for a half day and stop at the Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi), Florence Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. Once you’ve seen David, don’t miss the gallery’s four unfinished statues by Michelangelo, known as the Prisoners or Slaves.

Accessibility

The entire Accademia Gallery is wheelchair accessible, and tactile maps can guide visitors who are blind or have limited vision toward the David on the ground floor.

Age limits

Visitors younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

There’s no storage at the museum, so only bring what you can carry.

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the formal museum setting

Not allowed

Bulky bags, helmets, non-service animals, selfie sticks, flash photography, outside food and drink

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guides, bookshop

Address

Like most Florence attractions, Michelangelo’s Statue of David in the Accademia Gallery is best reached on foot. Walk there from the Florence Duomo or Piazza della Signoria in about 10 minutes, or arrive by car or public transportation.

Driving

Self-navigating in Florence isn’t recommended due to pedestrian traffic and permit laws, but you can get to the Accademia Gallery easily by cab.

Public transportation

While central Florence isn’t known for speedy public transit, you can ride the T2 tram from the Santa Maria Novella train station to Piazza San Marco, just a few steps from the museum.

Best times to visit

The Accademia Gallery’s timed entry system ensures that the David room won’t be overcrowded when you visit. If you don’t have a prior reservation, arrive shortly before opening or closing.

Best days to visit

See the David for free on the first Sunday of every month (no reservations), or book your visit in advance for the best variety of entry days and times.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time to see the David, though it’s best to visit Florence when temperatures are mild and crowds are manageable from April–May or September–October.