San Marco Museum: Tickets and Tours
The building that houses the San Marco Museum is itself an historical treasure. Built in the 15th century, the museum was originally a monastery. In addition to the artworks and frescoes that decorate the site, the building has been a national monument since 1869. Apart from being a place of interest and the site of the first public library in the Western world, San Marco still houses a Dominican cloister which is located on the first floor of the building.
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The building that houses the San Marco Museum is itself an historical treasure. Built in the 15th century, the museum was originally a monastery. In addition to the artworks and frescoes that decorate the site, the building has been a national monument since 1869.
Apart from being a place of interest and the site of the first public library in the Western world, San Marco still houses a Dominican cloister which is located on the first floor of the building.
Here's all you need to know about San Marco Museum, one of the most exciting museums in Florence.
What are the prices of San Marco Museum tickets?
- Regular ticket (age 18 and above): €9 per person
- Reduced ticket (European Citizens aged 18-25 years): €3 per person
- Children (age 17 years and under): Free
- Pre-booking fee: €3 per ticket
Who is eligible for discounts?
European residents between the age of 18 and 25 years can enter at a discounted rate. Florence tour guides are also granted admission for free when accompanying a tour group.
Is it possible to visit for free?
All visitors under the age of 18 years can enter for free.
Free admission to the museum is offered on certain national holidays, but ticket availability is limited and cannot be booked in advance.
Why should I book in advance?
Tickets can be booked online at B-ticket, the museum’s official online box office) or telephonically. An extra surcharge of €3 is charged to confirm your reserved visiting date and time.
What are the best San Marco Museum tours?
San Marco museum can be visited independently, on a private tour, or in combination with other activities on an organized excursion.
Guided tour of San Marco Museum
A licensed tour guide will join you at the entrance to the museum and lead you on your visit to San Marco.
The benefit of a guided tour is the guide’s insights and knowledge about the history of the site throughout the centuries and their expertise when it comes to the inspired frescoes and paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings.
Guided tours include pre-booked entrance tickets, allowing you to skip the line and gain access without any hassles.
San Marco Museum combo tours
You can join a combo tour that explores Florence Old Town and visits San Marco Museum with a skip-the-line entry.
What will I see inside?
Once you enter San Marco you will find the world's largest collection of artworks by Fra’ Angelico, a leading monk and painter of the early Renaissance, who resided in the convent from 1438 to 1445.
The museum occupies a large portion of the building and takes you through the impressive spaces of the convent, including the cloister of Sant'Antonio, the Hospice Hall, the Refectory hall, the Chapter hall, and the monks' cells.
In addition to Fra Angelico's pieces, the museum also showcases other historic and artistic gems, by artists like Ghirlandaio's, Paolo Uccello and Giovanni Antonio Sogliani, as well as terracottas by Della Robbia.
The second floor of the convent conserves the frescoes that adorned the monks' cells, painted between 1438 and 1445. In addition, there are also architectural findings from 19th-century city center demolitions and the Michelozzo Library.
This library was a product of Cosimo de 'Medici's vision and contains an extraordinary collection of texts that once belonged to the humanist Niccolò Niccoli.
The museum coexists harmoniously with the church of San Marco and parts of the cloister of San Domenico, which remain an active convent space.
How do I get there?
The San Marco Museum is located at Piazza San Marco. The piazza is in the University area of the city and is near the Accademia Gallery located on via Ricasoli.
What are the opening times?
- Tuesday to Saturday: 08:15 AM to 1:50 PM
- 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month: 08:15 AM to 1:50 PM
- 1st and 3rd Monday of each month: 08:15 AM to 1:50 PM
The ticket office closes at 1:20 PM
The museum is closed on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month, the Mondays after open Sundays, 1 January and 25 December.
Is it wheelchair friendly and accessible?
The museum entrance is not level with the road and there is a step leading to the entrance. A ramp can be placed at the entrance to allow wheelchair access. The museum interior is accessible.
A cabin lift platform provides access to the first floor and there are ramps to provide interior access to all spaces. There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, and your exit will need to be through the entrance as the official exit is not wheelchair friendly.
When is the best time for a visit to the San Marco Museum?
The best time to visit the San Marco Museum in Florence is during the Weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Which other museums should I visit in Florence?
Travel tips
- Save time and book tickets ahead by purchasing tickets online.
- Opt for weekdays or early visits to explore the museum in a quieter atmosphere.
- Confirm the museum's operational days and hours before planning your visit.
- Consider to use audio guides or guided tours to grasp the historical context of the artworks and enhance your experience.
- Respect photography rules and exhibit regulations for a pleasant visit, ensuring consideration for fellow visitors.