Museo di San Marco
Museo di San Marco
4.5
8:15 AM - 1:50 PM
Monday
8:15 AM - 1:50 PM
Tuesday
8:15 AM - 1:50 PM
Wednesday
8:15 AM - 1:50 PM
Thursday
8:15 AM - 1:50 PM
Friday
8:15 AM - 1:50 PM
About
Opened to the public in 1869, this museum houses the largest collection of sacred art in Florence including a sweeping fresco by Giovanni Antonio Sogliani and a superb collection of works by Mariotto Albertinelli.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Florence Historic Center
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,012 reviews
Excellent
1,530
Very good
399
Average
67
Poor
11
Terrible
5
Helen W
22 contributions
Jan 2020
IThis is a fantastic museum in an old monastery. The monks' cells were decorted with frescoes by Fra Angelico, and the fresco of the Annunciation at the top of the stairs as one goes up to the cells is one of the most celebrated images in Western art. This is a wonderful place, mainly because one has the opportunity to view art in the very place for which it was meant, rather than hanging on the wall in a museum. The fresco of the Last Supper by Ghirlandaio is so beautiful. Note the cherries arranged on the tablecloth. Some scholars think that they spell out the notes of a hymn. All in all, a beautiful, tranquil experience. Be aware that the museum is not open every day and that it is usually only open in the mornings.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAN L
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia10,656 contributions
Feb 2020
The museum is located on the old Dominican convent of San Marco in Piazza San Marco. In this museum, we visited the Chapter Room, the Lavabo Room, the Refectory, the Cloister of the Spesa and a small cloister of the XV century. There are magnificent frescoes to look at, in particular the Annunciation fresco on top of the staircase leading to the dormitories. The library houses an important collection of medieval , Renaissance and illuminated books.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cannuckk
Langley, Canada365 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
My enjoyment of this museum was predicated on a couple of things. First, I had the benefit of downloading to my iPhone beforehand a free walking tour of the museum from Rick Steves Audio Europe, which went a long way towards educating a fine art novice like myself, why the frescos and altarpieces I was looking at were Important art treasures.
Secondly, I had watched the Netflix drama Medici, whose second season featured the historical character Savonarola, a former resident of the Convent and thorn in the side of the Medici family, whose living quarters are featured on the upper floor of the museum.
Both of these background sources if you wish to access them may help the casual visitor.
If you use the suggested audio tour, which is just under an hour long, reserve some additional time to read the posted narrative signs and enjoy exhibits not especially featured in the tour. I had only allocated a bit over an hour to see the museum, and wished I had allowed for more.
The 8 euro admission cost is a relative bargain.
Secondly, I had watched the Netflix drama Medici, whose second season featured the historical character Savonarola, a former resident of the Convent and thorn in the side of the Medici family, whose living quarters are featured on the upper floor of the museum.
Both of these background sources if you wish to access them may help the casual visitor.
If you use the suggested audio tour, which is just under an hour long, reserve some additional time to read the posted narrative signs and enjoy exhibits not especially featured in the tour. I had only allocated a bit over an hour to see the museum, and wished I had allowed for more.
The 8 euro admission cost is a relative bargain.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China1,74,695 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This is a wonderful museum found within the convent section of the Basilica di San Marco at the piazza by the same name. Opening hours are 8.15am to 1.50pm daily (closed on Tuesdays) and entry is now €11 per adult. You can book online in advance or pay at the entrance on the day you intend to visit. We visited around 8.30am recently and found no queue upon arrival.
The convent history dates back to the 12th-century. However, what you see today is much to do with expansion works by Italian architect Michelozzo in the 15th-century. Importantly, the museum is noted for its remarkable collection works by Italian Renaissance Master Fra. Angelico. You'll see numerous highlights including The Annunciation in the upstairs dormitory section of the museum. This is probably one of the most recognisable early Renaissance artworks in the world. There are sections of the museum dedicated to famed preacher Savonarola and a fresco lined outdoor cloister amongst other interesting things to see within Museo San Marco. Best to allow at minimum 1 hour and considerably longer if you are a particular fan of Fra Angelico works.
Note: While the convent and cloister require ticked entry. The church at Basilica di San Marco is free to visit. It can be entered directly through the Baroque style church entrance directly on the square. Given the limited morning opening house, I'd suggest visiting the museum first and the church second.
The convent history dates back to the 12th-century. However, what you see today is much to do with expansion works by Italian architect Michelozzo in the 15th-century. Importantly, the museum is noted for its remarkable collection works by Italian Renaissance Master Fra. Angelico. You'll see numerous highlights including The Annunciation in the upstairs dormitory section of the museum. This is probably one of the most recognisable early Renaissance artworks in the world. There are sections of the museum dedicated to famed preacher Savonarola and a fresco lined outdoor cloister amongst other interesting things to see within Museo San Marco. Best to allow at minimum 1 hour and considerably longer if you are a particular fan of Fra Angelico works.
Note: While the convent and cloister require ticked entry. The church at Basilica di San Marco is free to visit. It can be entered directly through the Baroque style church entrance directly on the square. Given the limited morning opening house, I'd suggest visiting the museum first and the church second.
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BaruchBarryPinnick
Ma'ale Adumim, Israel217 contributions
Sept 2022
This museum is a gem. If you are a fan of Fra Angelico or Savonarola, this is your place. The frescoes in the monks' cells are worth a visit in themselves. The museum is well-organised and is considerably less busy than many other sites in the city.
Written 28 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
top-trippers
Bolton, UK621 contributions
Jul 2022
We popped in here early one morning, after our visit to the Bargello. Many of the walls of this Dominican monastery were decorated in pre-Renaissance times, by Father Angelico, and his pupils. The tour begins in the Cloister of St. Antoninus featuing some beautiful lunettes. The Guest Room, where pilgrims were received, is now a gallery for many wonderful panel paintings by Fra Angelico.Head to the Chapter House for his complex and allegorical Crucifixion. Don’t miss the Refectories. The small refectory is dominated by Domenico Ghirlandaio’s Last Supper. I loved the detail in this painting – the crockery, decanters, knives, bread etc. The lunettes above the table are filled with large trees and birds in flight, an open window frames a perching peacock, and a cat waits for scraps.
The tour continues on the first floor. At the top of the stairs, you will see Fra Angelico’s Annunciation. You can then peek into 43 monks cells which are decorated with simple frescoes, many by Fra Angelico. The last three cells (12-14) at the end of the corridor to the left, were once used by Girolamo Savonarola before he was hanged and in Piazza della Signoria. At the end of the corridor to the right, Cells 38 and 39 were reserved as a spiritula retreat for the Medici Cosimo the Elder.
The tour continues on the first floor. At the top of the stairs, you will see Fra Angelico’s Annunciation. You can then peek into 43 monks cells which are decorated with simple frescoes, many by Fra Angelico. The last three cells (12-14) at the end of the corridor to the left, were once used by Girolamo Savonarola before he was hanged and in Piazza della Signoria. At the end of the corridor to the right, Cells 38 and 39 were reserved as a spiritula retreat for the Medici Cosimo the Elder.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
982rodneyl
Grande Prairie, Canada159 contributions
Oct 2021
San Marco is easy to miss given all the attractions of Florence. Fabulous frescos in the portals of a massive courtyard. Frescos are superb, the museum collection is extensive and even the monks cells have frescos.
Written 16 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
organist66
Braintree, UK88 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Fra Angelico's works here are sensational! It is quite an experience to climb the former monastery stairs, turn sharp right and be suddenly confronted by his Annunciation scene (so make sure you go up to the first floor!). Definitely worth spending 9 euros to wander this museum after visiting the basilica next door. The setting around the former cloisters is serene and peaceful, without the crowds that jostle you in the Uffizi.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArtsyGalBaltimore
Maryland847 contributions
Dec 2022
A bit further out of the city, yet clearly well worth the trip for the Fra Angelico frescoes in particular the cells upstairs and the Medici and Savonarola cells. Almost missed the staircase to the cells. Makes one pause to think of the daily lives of the monks, a contemplative life, solitary without any possessions or comforts. Highly recommend this experience.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappyTraveler555
10 contributions
Aug 2021
Waited outside in 102 degree temp to get in without a pre-obtained ticket. They let me in (my friend was beginning heat prostration) and was so glad I waited. Quiet, calm, beautiful, unrushed, unhurried. Great art. Worth a day trip from Rome to Florence just to visit San Marco
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning a visit in May to the museo. Wondering if I need to buy tickets in advance since it will be in may. Thank you for your response in advance.
Written 1 May 2022
È possibile fare foto senza flash all'interno del museo??
Written 31 August 2020
Is it necessary to join a tour to get in quickly, or are the queues not too bad?
Written 22 May 2018
No. You can join a tour, but it’s very easy on your own. I was there last May, August, and February, and it was never crowded. Just remember it closes at 13:50 each day. Enjoy!
Written 25 May 2018
恐れ入りますが教えて頂けますか？
今年のゴールデンウィーク、5月3日の午前中、アカデミア美術館の後に訪問したいと思っています。アカデミア美術館は予約したのですが、サンマルコ美術館もこの時期は予約が必要だと思われますか？
Written 28 February 2017
What time/s are the English tours in the Museo di San Marco? I will be visiting there in late May or early June.
Written 21 April 2015
Free tours in English usually run on Wednesday anf friday at 12.30 pm (no reservation required). Schedule can occasionally change. You could call the museum the day before your visit.
Written 21 May 2015
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