History of the Accademia Gallery | From an Art School to a World-Renowned Museum
The story of Accademia Gallery goes back to 1784, boasting of a rich and fascinating past of Italy while serving as a bastion of cultural heritage and a testament to the timeless beauty of Renaissance art. While its inception was on humble grounds, today, it has become one of the world’s most renowned museums, offering an unrivaled glimpse into the genius of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and several other celebrated artists.
Detailed Accademia Gallery History
18th Century
Establishment as an Academy for Artists
The Accademia Gallery was founded by Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Tuscany in 1784 as a teaching facility for the students of the Academy of Fine Arts. The Gallery was built on the spaces of the Hospital of Saint Matthew and the Convent of Saint Niccolo’ of Cafaggio. The walls of this place initially displayed the antic artworks which acted as didactic models for the students. It became a space for young artists to learn and practice their craft.
19th Century
Addition of the Statue of David
The Accademia Gallery progressively added artworks and paintings from monasteries and convents, so throughout the 19th century, it underwent several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing collection of Renaissance art and to better preserve the works in its collection. In 1873, it was decided by the city that the masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, Michelangelo's statue of David, will be moved here from Piazza Della Signoria for better preservation.
Michelangelo's David
Late 20th Century
Expansion of the Gallery
In 1909 Michelangelo’s Prisoners was added to the collection in addition to tapestries, sculptures and paintings that led to a rearrangement of the gallery. Around the 1950s the Byzantine rooms were opened, which featured 1300 panel paintings together with The Hall of Colossus. The plaster cast models of Lorenzo Bartolini were added to the museum in the 1980s, which were housed in the 19th century room, previously used as a women's ward in St. Matthew’s Hospital.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Accademia Gallery History
A. The Accademia Art Gallery was built in the year 1784, which makes it more than 2 centuries old.
A. The Accademia Gallery is located in Florence, Italy.
A. Grand Duke of Tuscany, Peter Leopold founded the Accademia Gallery.
A. Michelangelo's statue of David was brought to Accademia Gallery in 1873
A. Michelangelo's Prisoners was added to Accademia Gallery in 1909
A. The Gallery was built on the space of the Hospital of Saint Matthew and the Convent of Saint Niccolo' of Cafaggio.
