The "Ospedale degli Innocenti" (Hospital of the Innocents) is an architectural masterpiece that combines functionality and beauty, elegance and symmetry: a ‘palace for children’, as the architect Giovanni Michelucci called it.
It was originally built as a children’s hospital (the first of its kind in Europe). It was built from 1419 to a design by Filippo Brunelleschi, making it one of the very first buildings of the Renaissance.
The museum on the premises was set up to exhibit the works of art from the old Ospedale degli Innocenti. A tour has been set up to allow visitors to discover a cultural heritage that is unique in the world and is closely linked to the work carried out in favour of children who could not be raised by their families of origin.
The Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence is an orphanage that was built in the first half of the fifteenth century according to plans by Filippo Brunelleschi.
Today, the building complex houses a museum, a kindergarten, a primary school and a UNICEF research institute.
The museum combines three thematic visitor routes: History, architecture and art. The tour combines these aspects into an exhibition that brings to life the past and present of the Istituto degli Innocenti, which has been campaigning for children’s rights for six centuries.
A walk through the rooms immerses the visitor in a unique historical reality.
Over the centuries, the hospital has been furnished with numerous works of art thanks to direct commissions, important donations and mergers with other charitable institutions.
The museum, which opened in 2016 following a comprehensive refurbishment, provides information about the history of the Ospedale and also displays the main panel with the Adoration of the Magi from the former high altar of the orphanage church. It was created in 1485-1488 by Domenico Ghirlandaio and his workshop. Works by Luca della Robbia, Andrea della Robbia, Sandro Botticelli and Piero di Cosimo can also be seen here. One of the most important works is the Madonna and Child attributed to Sandro Botticelli.
From 27 October 2023 to 7 April 2024, the Museo degli Innocenti will host the first exhibition in Florence dedicated to Alphonse Mucha, the most important Czech artist, father of Art Nouveau and creator of iconic paintings.
The Institut delgi Innocenti has been looking after children and families for over 6 centuries. The institute was founded at the beginning of the 15th century and at that time was the first organisation dedicated to taking in children. Today, the Institute’s activities include educational and social services and the promotion of children’s rights in accordance with the UN Convention.
Open daily from 09:30 to 19:00
Last admission 60 minutes before closing time.
Closed: 25 December, 1 January
Visit the Museo Degli Innocenti with the Florence City Pass – admission is already included. An additional reservation is not necessary.
By train: The Museo degli Innocenti is a 20-minute walk from Campo di Marte station and 17 minutes from Santa Maria Novella station.
By bus: The Museo degli Innocenti is very easy to reach by public transport from Florence. Take the number 19 bus to the Museo Archeologico stop. From there it is 160 metres to the Museo Degli Innocenti.
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata 13
50122 Florence
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Experience the Museo degli Innocenti with the >> Florence City Pass
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