I was in the final stages of planning my first trip to Italy, including several days in Florence, when I saw that the Duomo Museum is closed until November. My two-week trip puts me in Florence in early October (first week).
In the same trip, I'm also going to the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Bellagio and Venice. But Florence is especially important to me because of its artistic significance.
Should I continue my trip as-is, reschedule for November or reschedule for fall 2016?
There are plenty of other things to see of artistic importance in Florence besides the Duomo museum. I would not cancel my trip because that one site was closed during my proposed visit. There's the Accademia, Uffizi, Pitti Palace, Palazzo Vecchio, the Baptistry, the Duomo itself, Santa Maria Novella, the little chapel on the other side of the Arno (sorry the name escapes me at the moment), the Medici Chapel. You will always find something under renovation when you visit Europe. Facades being redone on famous buildings, etc. Don't let that deter you or you will never go to Europe.
I'm going to be n Florence in October. According to the official website, it looks like just the Opera Museum is closed until October 29th. The other Duomo sites (other than the crypt) appear to be open today: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistry of San Giovanni.
I totally agree with Mary. Though moderately interesting, compared to other five star museums in Florence, the Duomo museum is worth two stars. It was not until my third visit to Florence that I went there. Don't bother changing or postponing your trip because one attraction is closed. You'll still not see everything there is to see in Florence.
I agree Philip. Two stars for the Opera museum at most.
In addition to the sites Mary mentioned (and I think she's referring to the Brancacci Chapel, south of the Arno), I wanted to mention the Bargello (great sculpture museum), the Museo San Marco, catty corner to the Academia, and the Santa Croce church.
Yes, the Brancacci Chapel. Thanks. And the others mentioned were well worth a visit. I would advise the OP to get advance ticketing where needed (Uffizi, Accademia, Brancacci and there may be others that require advance ticketing since I visited last) to avoid standing in line waiting to get into these sites. It may not be as bad at that time of year he is going but I wouldn't chance it.
Sean, I wouldn't even think about rescheduling your trip. There is so much art to see in Florence - without the museum that's closed - that it'll make your head spin! Along with what has already been mentioned, go see the Fra Angelicos at Museo di San Marco, and Sarto, Lippi, Vasari and others at Basilica della Santissima Annunziata. The Bargello is wonderful.
There are things in the Museo dell'Opere del Duomo that you won't find elsewhere. If it's really important to you for specific pieces, start planning your next trip to Firenze. But as others have said, there is an astounding amount to see without it. Don't forget Santa Maria Novella and other churches for fantastic art.
Thanks to each of you for your thoughtful & encouraging replies. I've decided to go as-scheduled.
Mary, you mentioned an OP in your reply. Is that a bundled ticket for multiple Florentine museums? If so, what's the best way to buy one in advance. I'm definitely intent on following Rick's advice and spending my time in galleries rather than lines.
This was my first time posting here and you all have made it a positive experience. Thanks again.
Our bad. "OP" is a way many people on this board refer to the Original Post(Ed).
I totally agree with everyone about the remarkable art to see in Florence. Don't let the Duomo Museum closure make you reschedule. You can always return to this historic and beautiful city. Since I'm in the throws of reading about the Medici's, I would urge you to visit the Pitti Palace, especially the royal apartments. (Check the ticket prices to see what areas are covered with your admission) Also the Medici Chapel is extraordinary. Enjoy Florence!
The Duomo Museum is a decidedly lesser museum experience in Florence. There are a couple of nice things. The Donatello Mary Magdalene is stunning for example, but it would not be near the top of my list of places to go. The Academia and Uffizi are both a must see as is the Bargello and for me the Brancacci Chapel is the number one artistic site in Florence. Other museums of importance include the Pitti Palace, the San Marco Musee and of course Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. And there are many more -- the Duomo is worth seeing but it isn't in my top 10.
You might want to consider the the Firenzecard. At 72 euros, it may be more than the combined individual admissions but not needing to make reservations, keep appointments or wait on lines? Priceless. There are also transportation and wi-fi benefits included. We leave tomorrow and plan to get the Firenze Card.
