Traveling to Florence soon? Michelangelo’s world-famous sculpture, David, is most likely on your list… as it should be! This Renaissance masterpiece, crafted from a block of marble by 26-year-old Michelangelo, is one of the most iconic symbols of the city, praised for its exquisite craftsmanship and incredible humanism.
Even if you’re not crazy about art, you’ll likely have your jaw on the floor when you stand right in front of it. That’s what happened to me!
The David sculpture is located in the Accademia Gallery, in the heart of Florence, and while it isn’t rocket science to get tickets, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your experience to the next level. I’ve compiled all the information you need in this article to help you plan the smoothest, most enjoyable visit!
Everything from the best tickets and tours to practical info on how to get there and what you’ll get to see (besides the famous sculpture!) 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.
Besides, I’ve been in the travel industry for over a decade, curating travel guides and tours all over the world, and have developed a knack for identifying extraordinary excursions. Those are the only ones you’ll find on this post!
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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 Florence: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour with Entry Ticket 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 either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Accompanied by an expert guide, learn fascinating facts about the famous sculpture and see other unfinished pieces by Michelangelo as you explore the museum.
After the informative visit, walk across Florence to its cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, which you’ll access with skip-the-line tickets. Climb to the rooftop terraces for astounding views, and admire the iconic Brunelleschi Dome from up close.
You’ll also be granted tickets for the Opera Duomo Museum, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and the Crypt of Santa Reparata, which you can use up to 72 hours after the tour.
Why is this the best tour? For starters, it combines a visit to the two most important landmarks in Florence, granting you express access so you can bypass the queues. A knowledgeable guide will lead the tour, ensuring you understand the history and significance of each attraction as you marvel at the art and architecture, and you’ll get access to a few more locations for further exploration.
This tour includes: Skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery and Duomo Terraces, a guide, and entrance to the other attractions for 72 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Tour Options with the David
▶️ The Best of Florence Walking Tour With David & The Duomo allows you to see most of the city highlights in one day. You’ll skip the lines to see Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia and get to explore the museum with an expert guide.
Learn about the sculpture and Michelangelo’s life and work before making your way to the Duomo, walking past the Piazza della Signoria and the iconic Ponte Vecchio as you discover their stories. You’ll also bypass the queues to access the cathedral.
This tour includes: A guide, a walking tour, and skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Best of Florence: Guided Accademia’s David, Uffizi, & Walking Tour is another great way to discover the city’s landmarks, led by a professional guide.
You’ll visit Piazza del Duomo, admiring the striking Brunelleschi Dome and the cathedral’s facade, and wander around the historic town as you learn about its history.
Skip the lines at the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery, two major locations to delve into the world and beauty of the Renaissance. The highlight is arguably seeing the David sculpture from up close, and discovering how it was created.
This tour includes: Skip-the-line tickets, a city walking tour, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Florence: 4-Hour Private Tour Including Uffizi & Accademia caters to groups of up to five people, ensuring an intimate experience for your party. You’ll walk around the main sights and landmarks, learning about the fascinating history of Florence from your guide.
You’ll then get to discover Renaissance Florence in depth with visits to both the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery, where you’ll get up close to Michelangelo’s David, among other invaluable art pieces.
This tour includes: A walking tour and a guide. ➥ 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 with Uffizi, Cupola, Cathedral, and More 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 beside 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 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 Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Visit the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- Wander around the Mercato Centrale
- Visit the Opera del Duomo Museum
- Be mesmerized at the Uffizi Gallery
- Walk over the iconic Ponte Vecchio
