
Museo Galileo (Galileo Museum), Florence
A visit to this museum is a deep dive into the legacy of Galileo Galilei, the brilliant scientist born in Pisa in 1564, remembered for his groundbreaking work in astronomy, physics, and motion. Inside, you’ll discover a captivating collection of scientific instruments, including Galileo’s original telescopes and the very lens he used to observe the moons of Jupiter, changing our understanding of the universe forever. Large-scale reconstructions of his experiments—on motion, gravity, and acceleration—can also be found throughout the galleries, and from time to time, staff members offer live demonstrations that bring these ideas vividly to life.
In 1657, Florence honored Galileo by founding the Academy for Experimentation, the world’s first scientific institute of its kind. Several of the academy’s earliest innovations are also on display here, including some of the first thermometers, hygrometers, and barometers ever made.
Among other highlights, keep an eye out for the 1554 world map by Portuguese cartographer Lopo Homem, an intricately detailed piece of Renaissance geography. There’s also a fascinating array of nautical tools designed by Sir Robert Dudley, an English marine engineer who worked unde the Medici dukes to help develop the port of Livorno.
Those drawn to English literature will uncover unexpected connections, while fans of design and craftsmanship will appreciate the artistic beauty found in these early scientific devices. For engineers and inventors, the museum is a playground of historical innovation. And while it leans more toward observation than interaction, students and and curious minds of all ages will find plenty to engage with.
If you're visiting during Florence’s warmer months, here’s a modern-day bonus: your ticket includes access to one of the city’s rarest luxuries—air-conditioning.
In 1657, Florence honored Galileo by founding the Academy for Experimentation, the world’s first scientific institute of its kind. Several of the academy’s earliest innovations are also on display here, including some of the first thermometers, hygrometers, and barometers ever made.
Among other highlights, keep an eye out for the 1554 world map by Portuguese cartographer Lopo Homem, an intricately detailed piece of Renaissance geography. There’s also a fascinating array of nautical tools designed by Sir Robert Dudley, an English marine engineer who worked unde the Medici dukes to help develop the port of Livorno.
Those drawn to English literature will uncover unexpected connections, while fans of design and craftsmanship will appreciate the artistic beauty found in these early scientific devices. For engineers and inventors, the museum is a playground of historical innovation. And while it leans more toward observation than interaction, students and and curious minds of all ages will find plenty to engage with.
If you're visiting during Florence’s warmer months, here’s a modern-day bonus: your ticket includes access to one of the city’s rarest luxuries—air-conditioning.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Museo Galileo (Galileo Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Museo Galileo (Galileo Museum)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Florence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Arno South Bank Walking Tour
The area south of the Arno River—known as Oltrarno, or “Beyond the Arno”—offers a quieter, more intimate side of Florence, but one that’s no less captivating. It’s here that you’ll find the grand Pitti Palace, home to a painting collection rivaled only by the Uffizi Gallery, and the expansive Boboli Gardens, once the private domain of the Medici and later, the royal family. As one of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Florence's Hidden Art Treasures
The “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence is one of Europe’s most beautiful and busiest destinations, home to some of the world's greatest pieces of art and architecture. The iconic masters like Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as their somewhat less-known but equally talented counterparts, such as Ghirlandaio, Sangallo and Castagno, have blessed this city with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Florence Introduction Walking Tour
Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. Laid out like a Roman military camp, its main roads intersected at what is now the Republic Square. Originally named Fluentia, referencing its location between two rivers, the city later adopted the name Florentia, meaning “flowering” or “flourishing”.
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour
Though born in the small Tuscan town of Caprese, Michelangelo spent over two decades of his life in Florence—the heart of the Renaissance. It was here that he grew up, was educated, and began shaping his artistic voice, eventually creating some of the most iconic masterpieces the city has ever known.
His larger-than-life work—“David”—didn’t just reshape the image of biblical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
His larger-than-life work—“David”—didn’t just reshape the image of biblical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Florence Food Tour
Food is one of the great Florentine passions, and the great thing about having a delicious authentic Tuscan meal, a snack, delicatessen, or a quality gelato here – besides the abundant variety – is not having to spend a lot of money for it.
In general, the “osterias” and the eateries nestled in Sant’Ambrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In general, the “osterias” and the eateries nestled in Sant’Ambrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Duomo Walking Tour
Right in the heart of historic Florence lies the Duomo district—the city's religious and civic core, and one of the most remarkable places in all of Italy. Between the Duomo and Signoria squares, Florence unfolds in layers of art, history, and architectural brilliance, offering a never-ending stream of things to see, do, and admire.
At the center of it all stands the Florence Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
At the center of it all stands the Florence Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Unique Products to Buy in Florence
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Top 14 Pubs in Florence
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