Free Florence Museums on December 8

Beato Angelico’s San Marco Altarpiece

December 8, the Catholic feast day of the Immacolata, a legal holiday in Italy, brings the gift of two free Florence state-run museums.  Located five minutes away from each other, all day visitors will be granted no-cost entrance to the Accademia Gallery (via Ricasoli, accessible from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm) and the San Marco Museum (piazza San Marco, open from (8:15 am to 6:50 pm).

The Accademia contains Michelangelo’s iconic David and Slaves in addition to medieval panel paintings.  The monastery of San Marco, of Renaissance design commissioned to Michelozzo by Cosimo de’ Medici, was home to Fra Giovanni Angelico.  The early Renaissance artist, mediative style blends medieval and Renaissance elements, created the beautiful frescoes that still adorn the walls of the museum in addition to paintings such as the San Marco altarpiece.  (rosanna cirigliano)