Visit Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze at night

Seeing Michelangelo's David in 'flesh' via a Postcard

While it is true that the moment you arrived in Florence, you see Michelangelo's David everywhere and indeed, whether it is Piazza della Signoria or Plazza Michelangelo, David is everywhere. And the best part is you are allowed to take photo of these Davids, for free.

However, if you, like me, have a fetish to see the original, even if it means no photography allowed, there is just one place you must visit - Galleria dell'Accademia. Luckily for me, I had arrived in Florence on 15th May 2010 and I had been curious by the long waiting queue outside Galleria dell'Accademia as I was waiting for Ristorante Accademia to open. (A tip, do have a meal there, it was a gastronomic experience.)

Thus I went back to check what is going on that night as I am sure the gallery isn't open at night. And I found out 15th May 2010 is "The European Night of Museums" where thousands of cultural institutions across the continent will open their doors for free. Apparently, it started 6 years ago, in France at the initiative of the French Culture Ministry and was rolled out across Europe under the patronage of the Council of Europe and UNESCO in 2005. In total, over 2,500 museums in 39 countries will be open to the public. Amazing feat.

Back to the gallery, its full name is the Accademia dell’Arte del Disegno roughly translated as “Art of Drawing” academy and was the first drawing academy in Europe. The school itself has been around since the 1500s but the gallery which houses Michelangelo’s sculpture masterpiece was built specifically for the majestic work. “David” has lived here since the late 1800s, along with a handful of other unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo and some paintings.

Standing at the feet of “David” in the Accademia emits a different feeling as compared to standing at the feet of the copy, partly because there is a roof on top of the original. Thus it seems that "David" looks very tall and masculine, not forgetting how anatomically realistic he is too.

And while you are inside, you can take a look at the unfinished Michelangelo statues. If my memory didn't failed me, I think Michelangelo never work on drafts and thus every stone he started on, would later become a finished product. It was said that he believed every stone had a sculpture within it, and that the work of sculpting was simply a matter of chipping away all that was not a part of the statue. I'm not sure how true it is though.

And if you want a rough idea where the original had once been located, search for the copy outside the Palazzo Vecchio / in Piazza delle Signoria. You may then try to appreciate what the rulers of Florence were trying to convey to their would-be enemies by putting an image of David outside their offices.

Oh and here are more interesting anecdotes on Michelangelo
1. Michelangelo was described as "inventor delle porcherie" ("inventor of obscenities", in the original Italian language referring to "pork things") and censorship follows him everywhere.
2. Michelangelo was once cheated by another Lorenzo de Medici. He had sculpt a Cupid that looked worn and old under the guy's instructions and was paid a mere 30 ducats. Yet the merchant sold the Cupid as an antique for 200 ducats. I guess trickery has been around for a long time.
3. In his personal life, Michelangelo was abstemious. He told his apprentice, Ascanio Condivi: "However rich I may have been, I have always lived like a poor man." Hmm, I actually like that idea and I think, I do find myself liking him more haha. But then, it is said he does has some personal hygiene issue so probably that must be sorted out somehow.
4. It seems that Michelangelo has a deep love for male beauty though judging his artworks. Oh dear, my hopes to like him has just gotten dashed.

How to go:

Bus service from Santa Maria Novella Station, bus 1, 17.
From the station about 10 minutes through the town centre.
Alternatively, you can walk too as Florence is pretty walkable.
Location: Via Ricasoli 58-60, 50122 Florence

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday, 08:15 – 18:50
Closed Monday, New Year’s Day, May 1st, Christmas Day.

Tickets

Full Price: € 6,50
Reduced: € 3,25 (EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 25)
Free admission (EU citizens younger than 18 or greater than 65)

Source:
http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei/accademia/
http://www.firenzemusei.it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo
http://www.i-florence.com/florence-live-events/special-event/the-night-of-museums-15-may/