The Cathedral Museum behind the Duomo houses the original works removed from the complex for conservation: Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise' gilded bronze doors, Donatello's Magdalene and Cantoria, Michelangelo's late Bandini Pieta, and a full-scale recreation of the original Duomo facade. The 2015 expansion created one of Italy's finest museum displays.
The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo occupies the former workshop of the Opera del Duomo at Piazza del Duomo 9, immediately behind the cathedral apse. Extensively renovated in 2015, the museum more than doubled in floor area and now showcases the original works removed from the cathedral, campanile, and baptistery for conservation. At the heart of the display are the original East Doors of the Baptistery — Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise' — ten gilded bronze panels depicting Old Testament scenes, shown at standing height for close examination. A full-scale reconstruction of the original Duomo facade displays original statues in their niches. Donatello's carved wooden Magdalene and his marble Cantoria are displayed alongside. On the upper floor, Michelangelo's Bandini Pieta (ca. 1547-55) stands under dramatic central lighting — the hooded Nicodemus figure is widely identified as Michelangelo's self-portrait. Brunelleschi's death mask and original dome architectural models are also on display.
| Admission | Adult EUR 30 combined pass (72-hour validity) · Child EUR 12 ages 7-14; free under 7 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8:30AM-7PM (closed first Tuesday of month) |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings — far less crowded than the Duomo itself |
| Getting there | 50 metres from the Duomo; reached on foot from anywhere in the historic centre |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- art lovers, Renaissance history, avoiding Duomo crowds
Weather through the year in Italy
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
43.7733, 11.2568 View on map
Highlights
- Ghiberti's original 'Gates of Paradise' gilded bronze panels — displayed at eye level for close examination
- Michelangelo's Bandini Pieta with Nicodemus self-portrait under dramatic lighting
- Full-scale recreation of the original Duomo facade with statues in their original positions
- Donatello's late wooden Magdalene and marble Cantoria — masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture
- Brunelleschi's death mask and original dome architectural models on the upper level
Tips for visiting
- The original Gates of Paradise are displayed at eye level — examine Ghiberti's gilded relief panels up close
- Michelangelo's Bandini Pieta is displayed with exceptional lighting — the hooded Nicodemus figure is his self-portrait
- The museum is included in the Opera del Duomo combined pass covering the Duomo, dome, campanile, and baptistery
When to visit
Weekday mornings, particularly before noon. The museum receives far fewer visitors than the Uffizi or Accademia and rarely has long queues.
Accessibility
The 2015 renovation was designed with accessibility in mind. The museum is largely step-free with elevator access between floors. Contact the museum in advance to confirm current accessibility arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the museum included in the Duomo pass?
Yes — it is included in the combined Opera del Duomo pass (EUR 30, 72-hour validity) covering the cathedral interior, dome climb, campanile, baptistery, crypt, and museum.
How crowded is the museum?
The museum receives considerably fewer visitors than the Duomo exterior or dome climb — one of the most relaxed major museum experiences in Florence.
Can I photograph the Gates of Paradise?
Photography without flash is permitted throughout the museum, including the Gates of Paradise panels. Tripods are not allowed.