The ruling families of the Medici, Lorraine, and Savoy have all influenced the Pitti Palace, known in Italy as Palazzo Pitti. After the last Medici residing in the palace passed away in 1743, the Lorraine family took control of Florence and Tuscany. The House of Savoy succeeded them when Florence served as the capital of the first unified Italy from 1865 to 1871.
The grand Pitti Palace is now divided into six museums, along with the Boboli Gardens. Below, I offer a very brief description of each museum, starting from the ground floor and moving upwards.
1. The Treasury of the Grand Dukes (ground floor)
A collection of decorative arts showcased in the Medici “summer residence” section of the palace.
2. The Museum of Russian Icons with the Palatine Chapel (ground floor)
The oldest collection of Russian icons in Western Europe and the Court’s Chapel of Hapsburg-Lorraine
3. The Palatine Gallery Museum (first floor)
A Medici collection of paintings and also some furnishings and fixtures.
4. The Imperial and Royal Apartments (first floor)
Three hundred years of splendor from the Medici, the Royal House of Savoy, and Habsburg-Lorraine's
5. The Gallery of Modern Art Museum (second floor)
It's not as modern as you think. This collection is from the Neoclassical period to the 1930’s
6. The Pitti Palace Museum of Costume and Fashion (second floor)
Curated history of fashion and haute couture through the European lens.
These six magnificent museums inside the palace are all included in a single-entry ticket which you can purchase online or in person at the ticket office.
The best way to explore this Florence gem is a couple of museums at a time. I recommend picking two that interest you most and starting with one followed by a coffee and/or lunch break in the courtyard cafe before visiting the second on your list. Then end your visit with a glass of wine in the courtyard and exit through the Boboli Gardens to get yet another amazing view of Brunelleschi's dome.
TRAVEL TIP: Before you visit Florence museums, be sure to check with the Pitti Palace website to verify your favorite museums are open.
The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.
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