September 24 – 25 €1 & Free Museum Admission & Evening Hours

An exhibit at the National Archeological Museum

Sept. 24 & 25: EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE DAYS 

This Saturday and Sunday, residents and tourists in Florence are welcome to participate in “European Cultural Heritage Days.” The event encompasses free to €1 admission at a number of galleries, landmarks and gardens at specific times as outlined below.

Every September, signatory countries participate in the European Cultural Convention to create this opportunity for the museum-going public.

European Heritage Days (EHP) began in 1985 in an effort to raise awareness of Europe’s cultural richness and diversity, as well as stimulate interest in their cultural heritage. European Heritage Days are a highly treasured event because they provide access to thousands of rarely opened sites and monuments. It’s a unique opportunity to join in guided tours, special initiatives, and extraordinary openings.

This year, EHP will take place in Florence on the September 24 and 25, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

€1 ADMISSION

Two state museums in Florence are joining the evening opening at the symbolic price of €1 on Saturday, September 24: Galleria dell’ Accademia (home to David and other iconic Michelangelo sculptures in addition to medieval paintings) and Church and Museum of Orsanmichele. They open from 7- 10 pm. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time at 9:30 pm.

Palazzo Davanzati Museum of the Renaissance Home, is an attraction to keep an eye out for. Reopening after a long renovation on the September 24, it can be visited from 7 -1o pm, unveiling the new layout of a historic palace in the center of Florence. Once an ancient 14th century residence of the Davizzi family of merchants and bankers, it represents an fascinating example of a period Florentine house complete with the original furniture.

Opificio delle Pietre Dure, better known as the Semi-Precious Stone Craft Museum, is also opening on September 24 with regular admission rates from 9 – 1 pm. During this time, restoration workshops are open for guided tours by reservation. These workshops are a testimony to the tradition of the “Florentine inlay” in semi-precious stones and illustrate the history of the Opificio. However, admission rates drop to €1 in the evening, from 8 – 11 pm.

Other notable sites with a €1 entrance fee on September 24 include:

Uffizi Gallery, open from 7 – 10 pm with free guided tours 

San Marco Museum, open 6 – 9 pm

National Archeological Museum, open from 8 – 11 pm

FREE ADMISSION

This year’s European Heritage Days offer extended hours at the beautiful Casa Martelli Museum with free admission. But keep in mind: there is a maximum of 10 people who can visit at a time for its 45-minute guided tour. Casa Martelli has been closed due to Covid-19 restrictions and an ongoing restoration campaign, but this September 24, accompanied visits are available from 9 am to 12 noon, as well as 2 pm to 5 pm.

Look forward to the Il Suono Giovane at 11 am; three musicians are offering a live performance in collaboration with the museum. While the concert is free of charge, reservations must be made at insiemepersanlorenzo@gmail.com. (Jessi Chang)

For the full list of museums and landmarks participating with special initiatives in EHP, visit the official European Heritage Days site.