Luigi Bellini Collection - Free Audio Guide

The Collezione Luigi Bellini, also known as the Museo Bellini or Galleria Luigi Bellini, is a private museum located in Florence, Italy, along the Lungarno Soderini in the Oltrarno district. It showcases a rich collection amassed by a family of antiquarians since the 18th century, featuring a rotating selection of artworks and artifacts including medieval painted panels, bronzes, wooden sculptures, maiolica, and antique furniture. Housed in an early 20th-century building designed by Adolfo Coppedè, the museum offers notable views of the Arno River. Among its most prized pieces are a fresco from the Giotto school, a "Madonna" by Della Robbia, a bust attributed to Donatello, and a portrait by Tintoretto, alongside Gothic tapestries and works from the Medicean manufactories. The museum is also involved in organizing antiquarian exhibitions and promoting Italian art internationally, including a notable tour in China in 2005. Following the passing of Luigi Bellini in May 2021, visitor access to the museum has been suspended indefinitely due to ongoing discussions among his heirs regarding the future of the collection. However, the ground floor space remains active, hosting regular exhibitions of contemporary artists. This site is significant for its rich cultural heritage and its contribution to the appreciation of Italian art, making it a compelling destination for art enthusiasts and visitors to Florence.