Bargello National Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Bargello National Museum?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Free entry for under-18s, Saturday workshops, and scavenger hunts keep 7–12s engaged, but fragile sculptures and some stairs require constant adult supervision and patience.
Positives:
- Free entry for kids: Children under 18 enter free, so your two kids visit at no cost.
- Compact layout: Museum size is manageable, letting families cover highlights without fatigue.
Challenges:
- Narrow staircases: Some galleries are reached by stairs only; bring a carrier for younger kids.
- No touching allowed: Kids must stay a safe distance from sculptures; remind them before each room.
What is Bargello National Museum?
- A national museum housed in a 13th-century Italian Gothic palace that once served as Florence’s town hall and prison
- A museum renowned for its collection of Renaissance sculptures by masters such as Donatello, Michelangelo and Giambologna
- Features decorative arts from the 14th to 17th centuries, including ivories, medals, textiles and wrought ironwork
What is so special about Bargello National Museum for with kids?
- Explore a medieval courtyard with sculpture hunts.
- See iconic works by Donatello and Michelangelo in kid-friendly turns.
- Spot playful bronze animals on the upper loggia.
- Join free thematic workshops designed for ages 7–12.
- Take advantage of free entry for under-18s to save on family costs.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore key sculptures, enjoy the courtyard, and take breaks with kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Bargello National Museum
Medieval Courtyard Exploration:
Walk the 13th-century courtyard lined with early sculptures.
Tip: Let kids count carved coats of arms and spot the old well once used as gallows.
Donatello’s Bronze David:
Find the graceful 15th-century David on the second-floor loggia.
Tip: Turn it into a game: have kids compare its relaxed pose to Michelangelo’s later David.
Michelangelo’s Bacchus:
View Michelangelo’s first major work featuring the god of wine.
Tip: Point out the grape crown and ask kids to imitate its playful stance.
Verone Bronze Animals:
Explore the upper loggia filled with Giambologna’s small animal sculptures.
Tip: Challenge kids to spot the camel and the turkey among the bronze figures.
Thematic Kids’ Workshops:
Join free Saturday labs on gods, heroes, knights and kings.
Tip: Book spots online at least one week in advance; arrive early to secure two adult chaperones.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bargello National Museum
- Pre-book tickets: Buy timed tickets online to skip the main line.
- First Sunday free: Visit on the first Sunday for no-cost entry, but expect larger crowds.
Reviews of Bargello National Museum
Jerry Butteris
Nice pace of change from some of the other more popular museums. Easy to get in to and an interesting variety of art and artifacts. A relaxing atmosphere. No wait to enter, no need to prepay tickets
Elisa Ordeman
Very nice museum, worth visiting for the beautiful sculptures alone. Though I sometimes did not understand the English translation of the information boards because of some linguistic errors. Updating/improving them would maybe help with understanding the history and the art.
Varvara Guryleva
guys, after visiting Florence for five days and seeing all meaningful places, The Bargello museum is the best! I was more impressed by it, the courtyard itself is like an oasis and the exhibitions are just something! I have tears in my eyes, how I want to go back. Grazie 💘
Benjamin Dibble
We visited this museum and it was beautiful. The exhibits were mostly statues and busts, sprinkled with lots of items from antiquity. The museum is on three levels and is structured as a fort with an internal courtyard. There is an elevator to take you to all levels and lots of work by the artist Donatello. The museum is in the heart of the city right in the centre which was also nice.
Chris Who
Absolutely great place. From the moment you walk into the courtyard you know you are in an impressive place. Wonderful view into how the renaissance saw Roman and Greek mythology as well as fantastic architecture and pieces of art. Staff were OK. Seemed a bit distant but that was OK. The nightmare of Offizi was yet to come for us. Compared to Offizi staff these were in fact brilliant. Thoroughl...
When is the best time to visit Bargello National Museum (Florence, Italy)?
In summer, arrive at opening to avoid heat in the courtyard. In winter, layers work well inside the cool stone halls.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | EUR 20 |
| Audio guide rental | EUR 6 |
| Souvenir postcards (x4) | EUR 4 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 30 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Bargello National Museum
Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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About Bargello National Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+39 055 064 9440Average price
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