Ciao, we happened into a small museum of musical instruments from the middle ages when we were in Florence 7 years ago. It was fascinating and I want to return during our upcoming return trip. For the life of me, I can't find reference to it online and am hoping someone here will know what I am talking about! It couldn't have been far from the Uffuzi and was not marked very well on the outside.
Help?!?!
Grazie! !
Leslie
Prego, and happy to help, Leslie. This museum, or gallery, is within the Accademia museum in Florence, where David reigns. Go to Accademia.org to learn more. Enjoy!
Grazie, Larry! I'm not sure it was the Accademia though. .. this place was quite small, no (or at least not prominent ) signage, and didn't appear to be a part of a bigger museum? Could it still be the same place? It was such a treasure, one of those rare experiences. ...
Thanks,
Leslie
The collection belongs to the music academy and, at different times, has been on display in different places. So if you have seen it a lot of time ago it may have been in a different museum. As the music academy is housed in the same building of the painting academy, the present solution makes sense. The highlight of the exposition are the strings instruments built by Stradivari for Medici grandukes, including a very large tenor viola (viola medicea). As the instrument is too large for everyday playing, it is probably the only Stradivari instrument in the world left in its original state, without any 19th century modification.
http://www.accademia.org/explore-museum/halls/museum-musical-instruments/
