Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Quick answer
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence, Italy — founded in 1891 as a workshop and depot for the cathedral's restoration, the museum was rebuilt and reopened in 2015 with a dramatic new presentation of the works that once stood on the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Bell Tower. Open daily, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM. Admission: €30 (combined ticket with the entire cathedral complex). Allow 2–3 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Admission | €30 (combined ticket with the entire cathedral complex) |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday at 9 AM opening — before cathedral crowds peak. |
| Getting there | Walk: Piazza del Duomo — museum entrance on Via della Canonica, behind the cathedral |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy |
| Official website | duomo.firenze.it |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Museo dell'Opera del Duomo known for?
The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo preserves the art and architecture of Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), its baptistery, and Giotto's Campanile. Founded in 1891, it holds sculptures and reliefs removed from the cathedral facade and campanile for conservation.
The museum's greatest treasure is Michelangelo's Pietà (Bandini Pietà), which the artist began at age 72 intending it for his own tomb. He damaged it in frustration and it was later restored by a pupil. Donatello's prophets, Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise bronze panels, and Luca della Robbia's cantoria reliefs are equally unmissable.
In 2015 the museum reopened after a major renovation, with a new layout and enlarged display space. A highlight is the Gallery of Giotto's Campanile, where original marble panels are displayed at eye level.
The museum sits behind the cathedral on Piazza del Duomo, forming an essential complement to visiting the dome and baptistery.
Best for: Renaissance Art Lovers · Sculpture Lovers · First-Time Visitors to Florence
How long do you need at Museo dell'Opera del Duomo?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Museo dell'Opera del Duomo without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Pietà (Bandini Pietà)
📍 Michelangelo Gallery
Michelangelo's unfinished late Pietà, which he partially destroyed in anger.
- 2
Gates of Paradise
📍 Ghiberti Gallery
The original gilded bronze east doors of the Baptistery, with ten Old Testament panels in revolutionary linear perspective.
- 3
Cantoria (Singing Gallery)
📍 Della Robbia Gallery
Reliefs of singing and dancing children originally installed in the cathedral, exemplifying della Robbia's serene Renaissance style.
- 4
Penitent Magdalene
📍 Donatello Gallery
Donatello's harrowing carved-wood figure of the aged Magdalene, her emaciated body a masterpiece of spiritual expression.
- 5
Prophet Isaiah
📍 Campanile Gallery
One of Donatello's marble prophets originally on Giotto's Campanile, displayed at eye level in the renovated museum.
What are the must-see works at Museo dell'Opera del Duomo?
5 highlights that define the collection: Pietà (Bandini Pietà), Gates of Paradise, Cantoria (Singing Gallery) and more.
Pietà (Bandini Pietà)
Michelangelo · c. 1547–1555
📍 Michelangelo Gallery
Michelangelo's unfinished late Pietà, which he partially destroyed in anger. Shows the Virgin supporting the body of Christ with Nicodemus (a self-portrait of the aged artist).
Gates of Paradise
Lorenzo Ghiberti · 1425–1452
📍 Ghiberti Gallery
The original gilded bronze east doors of the Baptistery, with ten Old Testament panels in revolutionary linear perspective. Replicas are on the Baptistery; originals are here.
Cantoria (Singing Gallery)
Luca della Robbia · 1431–1438
📍 Della Robbia Gallery
Reliefs of singing and dancing children originally installed in the cathedral, exemplifying della Robbia's serene Renaissance style.
Penitent Magdalene
Donatello · c. 1455
📍 Donatello Gallery
Donatello's harrowing carved-wood figure of the aged Magdalene, her emaciated body a masterpiece of spiritual expression.
Prophet Isaiah
Donatello · c. 1425
📍 Campanile Gallery
One of Donatello's marble prophets originally on Giotto's Campanile, displayed at eye level in the renovated museum.
Collections and highlights
- • Michelangelo Bandini Pietà
- • Ghiberti Gates of Paradise — original bronzes
- • Donatello prophets and Magdalene
- • Luca della Robbia cantoria reliefs
- • Giotto's Campanile marble panels
- • Cathedral facade sculpture
- • Silver altar of the Baptistery
- • Cathedral models and architectural history
Tips for visiting Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday at 9 AM opening — before cathedral crowds peak.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Moderate; less crowded than the Uffizi or Accademia.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Around €18 combined Duomo complex ticket; museum included in most Duomo passes.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Restaurants around Piazza del Duomo; Mercato Centrale (10-minute walk).
- 5.
Accessibility
Renovated building with lift access; fully accessible after 2015 reopening.
How do you get to Museo dell'Opera del Duomo?
- walk Piazza del Duomo — museum entrance on Via della Canonica, behind the cathedral
- bus Multiple city buses stop at Piazza San Marco or Via dei Calzaiuoli
- train Santa Maria Novella station — 15-minute walk through the historic centre
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: frequently asked questions
Is the museum included with cathedral tickets?
Yes, all cathedral complex passes include the museum.
Are the original Baptistery doors here?
Yes — what you see on the Baptistery itself is a copy.
How long should I spend at Museo dell'Opera del Duomo?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. Our 5-stop route — Pietà (Bandini Pietà), Gates of Paradise, Cantoria (Singing Gallery) and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Museo dell'Opera del Duomo best known for?
Founded in 1891 as a workshop and depot for the cathedral's restoration, the museum was rebuilt and reopened in 2015 with a dramatic new presentation of the works that once stood on the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Bell Tower. Key highlights include Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti, Mary Magdalene by Donatello, Bandini Pietà by Michelangelo.
How do I get tickets for Museo dell'Opera del Duomo?
Admission: €30 (combined ticket with the entire cathedral complex). Book a timed-entry ticket on the official website before you go — popular slots sell out in peak season. Official site: https://duomo.firenze.it/en/scopri/grande-museo-del-duomo
Are the Gates of Paradise the originals?
Yes — the museum holds Ghiberti's original gilded bronze panels. Replicas are mounted on the Baptistery doors outside.
Is the Michelangelo Pietà the same as the Vatican Pietà?
No — this is a later work (the Bandini Pietà), begun when Michelangelo was in his 70s. The Vatican Pietà is in St Peter's Basilica.
Is the museum included in the Duomo ticket?
Yes — most Duomo complex tickets (Brunelleschi Pass or Giotto Pass) include the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Is Museo dell'Opera del Duomo open on Mondays?
Yes — Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Museo dell'Opera del Duomo's opening hours?
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is open daily, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Museo dell'Opera del Duomo free to visit?
No — standard admission is €30 (combined ticket with the entire cathedral complex).
