The Accademia

Created by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo in 1784 as a place of study for students of the nearby Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di Belle Arti) which was the first academy of drawing in Europe, the Academy Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in Florence today retains some of the most beautiful works of Michelangelo.

The most instantly recognized sculpture in the world, Michelangelo’s incomparable David. Among the notable Renaissance works on display are an outstanding collection of 15th and 16th century Florentine paintings and Giambologna’s original plaster for the Rape of the Sabine Women.  In addition to the statue of David, the Accademia Museum also features the famous sculptures by Michelangelo known as the Prisoners (Prigioni)