This extraordinary museum showcases the art of inlaying semi-precious stones and marble to create beautiful images. Florence has been known for this type of art since the Renaissance. The Medici family invested a great deal in this development and had a decisive influence on the craft. In this museum, you can admire a collection of 600 types of precious stones, as well as the tools used by the craftsmen of the time.
The OPD Museum illustrates the history of the art manufactory founded by Ferdinando I de' Medici in 1588. For centuries, Florentine craftsmen have cut the coloured stones to depict a face, a flower, an instrument or a bird. The works on display also include tables, vases, small sculptures and much more.
The most valuable creations, which were often the subject of gifts from the Florentine Grand Dukes, are kept in royal palaces and museums throughout Europe, while unfinished works or the result of later modifications and dismantling remained in the workshops. This collection, which includes examples of great charm and refinement, illustrates the historical path of the manufactory over three centuries.
The layout of the museum reflects the life and events that influenced the centuries-old production activity of the old Grand Ducal Manufactory for the working of semi-precious stones. The mezzanine floor of the hall is dedicated to working techniques: from the rich stone sample book to the workbenches and tools, to the didactic illustration of some of the production phases of marquetry and carving. You can follow the entire process of creating masterpieces of the so-called Florentine commesso or mosaic and discover the secrets of this fascinating episode in the history of Florentine art.
The Opificio delle Pietre Dure is an autonomous institute of the Ministry of Culture that acts as a centre of excellence and national reference in the conservation of works of art and carries out restoration, research and training activities.
The museum attached to the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, now a modern research and training centre specialising in restoration and conservation, is a direct offshoot of the art manufactory founded in 1588 by Ferdinando I de' Medici for the processing of semi-precious stones.
Section I: The first grand dukes and stones
Section II: The Chapel of the Princes
Section III: Flowers made from semi-precious stones
Section IV: The last Medici
Section V: The gemstone workshop
Monday - Saturday 8:15 - 14:00
Ticket office and bookshop close at 13:30
Closed on Sundays, public holidays and on 24 June, the patronal feast of Florence
Please show your Florence City Pass at the cash desk. No further reservation is necessary.
The Museo dell'Opificio delle Pietre Dure is located in the centre of Florence. From the railway station, take Via Cerretani to Piazza del Duomo, then turn left and take Via Ricasoli, then turn right and take Via degli Alfani. Your destination is on the left, you have reached the museum.
Via degli Alfani, 78
50121 Florence
Click here
to see on google maps
Experience the Opificio delle Pietre Dure with the >> Florence City Pass
Free admission to Florence's museums, attractions, and tours. Discounts included.
incl. VAT and service fees, free shipping via e-mail
