Unusual, Quirky Museums in Florence and Where to Find Them

Already visited the top art museums in Florence? Looking for something quirky and different that the kids can enjoy too? You’re in the right place.

We’ve put our heads together and come up with a definitive guide to the more alternative, unusual and downright weird museums in Florence. The places that can offer visitors something a little different (and less crowded) in the city of the Renaissance.

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Unusual Museums in Florence

The history of Florence, made fun

PALAZZO DAVANZATI

Ever wondered how people used to live in Renaissance Florence? You’ll find the answers in the Palazzo Davanzati, known as Museo della Casa Fiorentina, Museum of the Old Florentine House. Embark on a real journey back in time in this tower house that was once inhabited by a wealthy Florentine family. I love the atmosphere and the fascinating details of this ancient home that still has its original frescoes, a beautiful stone staircase, ancient working tools, a well to bring water to the rooms… and even a very old toilet!

Where it is: Via Porta Rossa, 13 – a few steps from the Porcellino Market.

PALAZZO VECCHIO SECRET PASSAGES

This one is a real experience. I did the Secret Passage Tour to be able to access parts of the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio that are normally closed to the public. Hidden staircases, secret rooms where the Medici used to scheme and experiment with alchemy. Getting into the belly of Florence’s Old Palace, once the political core of the city, will satisfy your need for adventure. Like Palazzo Davanzati, it is perfect for kids of all ages.

Did you know? The secret rooms were filmed during the film Inferno, from Dan Brown’s bestseller.

* Find out what we love about our visit to the Palazzo Vecchio Secret Rooms.

Where it is: Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall, located in Florence’s most beautiful square, Piazza Signoria.

palazzo vecchio florence — Palazzo Vecchio, Florence – photo: @Lovefromtuscany

INNOCENTI MUSEUM

Definitely a ‘thought provoking’ visit, the Ospedale degli Innocenti Museum traces a side of Florentine history that is unknown to most. The ‘Innocenti’ is a centuries-old institution dedicated to the care and protection of children. For centuries children were, effectively, abandoned outside the door of this building that served as an orphanage. This absorbing museum tells the story of the institution, and the kids that lived there. A unusual museum in Florence, moving and unconventional.

Where to find it: the museum is hosted in the Renaissance building designed by Brunelleschi, in Piazza SS. Annunziata.

innocenti museum florence — Innocenti Museum – some tokens left with the orphans

Science, geniuses, and fun

SPECOLA

The Specola Museum of Zoology and Natural History is one of Europe’s oldest scientific museum and underwent complete renovations in 2023. The most famous (or should I say infamous?) section is the wax anatomical collection, where you can learn about human anatomy and be creeped out by the realistic models. It has a stunning rock and mineral collection, and an extensive taxidermy area. Another highlight is the Florentine botanical wax collection, which illustrates the genesis and didactic value of naturalistic and anatomical models.

Where it is: Via Romana, 17 – close to Pitti Palace

ILLUSION MUSEUM

A relatively new and small museum filled with amazing optical illusions, riddles and mysterious artwork, including an unforgettable upside-down world. If you or your children are fascinated by science, the Illusion Museum is a great place to spend an hour and interact with the displays which are fun and entertaining. Highly recommended!

Where it is: Borgo degli Albizi, 29, not far from the Cathedral

DA VINCI MUSEUM

A museum entirely devoted to Leonardo Da Vinci, who was born near Florence. The interactive exhibits show the brilliant thinking behind Leonardo’s machines and designs, the multifaceted genius of art and science. This museums brings his invention to life with large working machines and engaging designs taken from the Leonardo’s codex. Visitors can touch and interact with the machine to better understand the scientific principles behind his ideas. Find out more in the official site.

Where it is: It’s located in Via del Castellaccio 1red, a small street behind via dei Servi, not far from the Cathedral.

There’s another Leonardo Museum in Vinci, his hometown. Here you have a detailed Da Vinci Itinerary in Florence and Tuscany to follow in his footsteps.

vinci italy — One of the models in the Da Vinci Museum, Florence

GALILEO MUSEUM

Another Tuscan-born genius, Galileo Galilei is one of the fathers of modern science. The Galileo Museum, aims to celebrate his great mind and inventions. As you might expect it’s filled with scientific instruments: globes, microscopes, barometers, and even an astrolabe that Galileo actually used for astronomical calculations. It’s a collection that will delight both science and history enthusiasts! They even have a relic from Galileo’s body (one of his fingers kept in a small glass egg-shaped case), to show how much this scientist was revered.

Where it is: Piazza dei Giudici, 1 – a few steps from the Uffizi.

Fashion & Artisan Crafts

MUSEUM OF COSTUME AND FASHION, PITTI PALACE

The Museum of Costume and Fashion (formerly known as ‘Costume Gallery’) shows some ancient garments, including some funeral clothes that belonged to Cosimo I de’ Medici and his family, and a vast collection of clothing, accessories and jewels from the 18th century onwards. It takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the history of fashion and its social significance. For show business fans, they have stage costumes worn by movie and theatre stars.

Where it is: it’s located in the Palazzina della Meridiana, next to Pitti Palace – ticket combined for the galleries of Pitti Palace.

FERRAGAMO MUSEUM

Mad for Italian fashion? This one is for you. Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is dedicated to the history of the Ferragamo company, the life of its founder, his family, ideas and creations. You’ll find a collection of photos and a great number of ‘historic’ shoes, including iconic footwear worn by a variety of celebrities. It’s located in an historic edifice in Piazza Santa Trinita, at the heart of Florence’s ‘high-end shopping neighbourhood’.

GUCCI GALLERY

Gucci is another name that upholds the standard of Italian fashion. Boutique, bookstore, garden, osteria, are all part of the stylish Palazzo Gucci, located in the stunning Piazza Signoria. In the Gucci Gallery you can discover the history of the brand Gucci that spans more than a century, its creative excellency and originality.

OPIFICIO PIETRE DURE

Opificio Pietre Dure Museum introduces the visitors to a quintessential Florentine craft: semi-precious stone inlays. The Medici had a real passion for this form of art and established the first core of the Opificio a long time ago… in 1588! With a collection of furniture, jewels and various objects from different eras, all with unique inlaid designs, we can see how taste has changed since the time of the Medici, and awe at the works of skilled artisans that ‘painted with stones’.

If you’d like to explore the world of Florentine artisanal traditions, pop in to the Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leatherwork) behind the Basilica Santa Croce – not a museum but still a piece of Florence’s artisanal history well worth a visit – for shopping lovers too!

=> For Medici’s fans check out our Medici Palaces itinerary, meet the Medici in their residences.

Special Interests – Trains and Weapons

STIBBERT MUSEUM

Museo Stibbert is a lesser-known treasure amongst Florence museums. Because it’s out of the city center, it is often overlooked by tourists. This means you probably have the museum pretty much to yourself. It has wonderful collections of weaponry and armour from all over the world – Asian, Ottoman, European – an absolutely must-see for history lovers, and a unique find.

Where it is: Via Stibbert, 26 – easily reachable from the city centre via tramvia T1

MUSEUM HZERO

In this quirky little museum you find an astonishingly large and incredibly detailed model railway, complete with all the changing lights and sounds. There’s a VR experience and a short film about the railway. A must-see for train enthusiasts, it can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Florence.

Where it is: Piazza degli Ottaviani, very close to S.Maria Novella Square