From Medici Residence to Museum: Unveiling the Treasures of the Riccardi Medici Palace

The Medici family, rising from humble bankers to powerful patrons, ruled Florence unofficially for centuries. Their wealth fueled the Renaissance, transforming the city into a cradle of artistic genius. Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and countless others flourished under their patronage. Today, Florence's museums and architecture stand as testaments to the Medicis' enduring influence, a reminder of this family that intertwined art, money, and power to shape history.

A captivating glimpse into this remarkable legacy can be found at the Riccardi Medici Palace. Once the residence of the Medici family, the palace now houses the offices of the Metropolitan City of Florence, but it also functions as a museum. Visitors can explore the grand halls, some adorned with stunning frescoes, and delve into the fascinating history of the Medicis and Florence itself.

Photo Gallery

The Mirror Gallery

• The "Gallery" is a richly decorated room overlooking the Medici Garden. Built in the 1680s, it's a prime example of Florentine Baroque style.
• The walls are a dazzling display of mirrors painted with cherubs, animals, and plants. These alternate with ornately carved and gilded cabinets.
• The ceiling fresco by the famous Neapolitan painter Luca Giordano completes the scene. His lively and dynamic painting shows the Medici family at their peak.

The Chapel

• The most important part of the palace might still be the chapel. Painted in 1459 by Benozzo Gozzoli, it features a scene of the Three Wise Men traveling to see Jesus.
• Interestingly, the painting includes important people from Florence at the time, including members of the Medici family. It's almost like a snapshot of a big meeting that happened in Florence in 1439!

Miscellaneous

The clay head was made in two pieces and glued together with colored glue.  Later, the glue and other materials were removed to reveal the original terracotta surface.  A modern pin now holds the head and neck together.

Graffioni in bronze, 5th-4th century. BC. (Unearthed Etruscan tombs reveal torch-holders with distinctive snake-head handles. These were believed to illuminate the path of the deceased soul towards the afterlife.)

Etruscan funerary lion with the inscription "This is the tomb of Nevza Arnth" (Tuscania, 1852)

Flabello in bronze—The metal sheet on this object is decorated with seed pods, mimicking the feathers of an ostrich feather fan (flabellum) used in everyday life. This beautiful and luxurious parade object  symbolizes the deceased's high social status.

These incense burners, traditionally used for holding scented substances, were made in Vetulonia workshops and became popular throughout Etruria (the region where this culture thrived) and even beyond.

This elaborate brooch, known as the Corsini Fibula, features ducks and lions. Tiny metal beads (granulation) add to its richness. It was likely one of the most valuable personal ornaments belonging to the tomb's owner.

Container vase / lids / two-handled cup

Vase decorated with animal frieze (early 6th century BC)