The Reopening of the Bargello’s ‘Hall of Donatello’

After nearly a year of meticulous restoration and refurbishment, the Salone di Donatello at the Bargello National Museum (via Ghibellina) has reopened its doors to the public, returning to visitors the masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture it holds. 

At 18 metres high and 445 square metres in area, the Salone is the most impressive room in the Palace. Known as the heart of the Bargello, it is a true symbol of Renaissance art. 

The newly restored hall features nine seminal works by Donatello, including his celebrated bronze David, the marble David, St. George, the Marzocco, the Attis, the Dancing Putto, the Crucifixion, the Head of a Bearded Man and the Madonna of Via Pietrapiana. Alongside Donatello’s masterpieces are sculptures by his close collaborator Michelozzo and notable pupils such as Desiderio da Settignano and Bertoldo di Giovanni, whose contributions helped define the golden age of early Florentine sculpture. 

‘The Hall of Donatello,’ says Director General of Museums Massimo Osanna, ‘is, to all intents and purposes, the temple of 15th century Italian sculpture: a place that gathers together extraordinary masterpieces, evidence of one of the most crucial moments in the history of Italian art.’

The extensive restoration work covered nearly 2,000 square metres, including the hall’s walls, vaults, architectural decorations, and stone elements. Old repaints were removed and replaced with carefully mimetic interventions to restore visual harmony. The enormous stone pillars, window frames, and staircases were also cleaned and brough back to their original brilliance. 

Visitors will also notice a modernised layout with 65 works displayed through a design aimed at enhancing preservation and appreciation of the works. The Salone’s educational resources have been completely updated: each sculpture is accompanied by a caption equipped with a QR code, offering text and audio descriptions in both Italian and English for an immersive digital experience.

The Salone’s association with Donatello dates back to 1887, when a landmark exhibition was held to commemorate the fifth centenary of the artist’s birth. Since then, the room has borne his name, and now, with its renewed splendour, the Salone di Donatello invites visitors to step into the world of Renaissance genius.   (Mina Lozanova)