Official Information
Official site: https://musefirenze.it/en/museum/museo-di-palazzo-vecchio
Official tickets: City of Florence ‘TicketsMuseums’ portal
Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Map: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
Typically open every day with long hours (around 9:00–19:00) and a shorter day on Thursday. Separate time slots and weather-dependent rules apply for Arnolfo Tower access. Night openings and seasonal changes may occur, so always verify hours on the official website before visiting.
Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s medieval town hall turned civic museum, a fortress-palace that lets you walk through the very rooms where the city’s political dramas unfolded. From Piazza della Signoria, you see its crenellated tower and rusticated stone walls, but step inside and you’ll find atmospheric courtyards, grand halls, and richly decorated apartments layered with Medici symbolism. Most visits start in the painted Michelozzo courtyard and lead up to the monumental Salone dei Cinquecento, lined with vast frescoes, marble statues, and a soaring coffered ceiling covered in painted panels. Smaller rooms off the main hall feature jewel-box spaces like the Studiolo of Francesco I, packed with hidden cupboards and mannerist artworks, while private Medici apartments display ceiling and wall decorations by Vasari and his school. Informative panels and multimedia guides make the symbolism accessible without overwhelming. If included on your ticket, climbing the Arnolfo Tower rewards you with sweeping views over Florence, though access depends on weather and safety, so check before you go. Because the museum sits right in the historic center, visits combine easily with exploring Piazza della Signoria or the Uffizi nearby. Evening openings, when available, offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience.