Palazzo Strozzi, Florence

Gallery and Historic Building in Florence

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chabe01

Palazzo Strozzi is one of the top attractions in Florence, a grand Renaissance palace that rises like a fortress in the historic centre. Commissioned in 1489 by Filippo Strozzi-head of one of Florence's wealthiest and most powerful families-the palace was intended to rival even the Medici residences in scale and splendour. Its harmonious symmetry, rusticated stone façade, and majestic courtyard make it one of the best places to visit in Florence for architecture lovers. It is also often visited on walking tours of Florence thanks to its central location and vibrant cultural life.

Although Filippo Strozzi died before the palace was completed, his children moved in around 1505. Over the centuries, the palace saw periods of residence, abandonment, and renewal, including major 19th-century renovations under Princess Antonietta and Prince Piero Strozzi. Today, Palazzo Strozzi is a dynamic cultural centre renowned for its ambitious exhibitions and contemporary installations.

History and Significance of Palazzo Strozzi
Things to See and Do in Palazzo Strozzi
How to Get to Palazzo Strozzi
Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo Strozzi
Where to Stay close to Palazzo Strozzi
Is Palazzo Strozzi Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Palazzo Strozzi
Nearby Attractions to Palazzo Strozzi

History and Significance of Palazzo Strozzi

The palace was designed by Simone del Pollaiolo, known as Il Cronaca, who interpreted the ideals of Renaissance architecture with precision and grandeur. Filippo Strozzi's intention was clear: to build a residence that reflected the family's wealth, influence, and distinction-one larger and more impressive than Palazzo Medici Riccardi. The result was a square-plan palace with three stories divided by elegant cornices, rusticated stonework, and a monumental presence that symbolised the Strozzi legacy.

After the family shifted its residence to Rome, the palace remained largely unoccupied until the mid-19th century, when it was restored and modernised. Today, the building is operated by the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation, which has transformed it into one of Italy's most important cultural venues, hosting exhibitions ranging from Renaissance art to cutting-edge contemporary installations.

Things to See and Do in Palazzo Strozzi

The palace’s central courtyard is one of its greatest marvels. Designed by Il Cronaca, it features symmetrical arches, Corinthian capitals, and refined stonework that exemplify the architectural ideals of the Renaissance. The courtyard is open to the public, making it a popular place to pause, admire the harmony of the space, or enjoy a coffee beneath its arcades.

The ground floor houses the Sala Ferri, a striking hall used for events and exhibitions. Most visitors come for the palace's exceptional programme of temporary exhibitions, which often include works by major international artists. Palazzo Strozzi is known for expanding the boundaries of traditional museum experiences, often incorporating immersive installations that interact with the historic architecture.

The palace also hosts lectures, workshops, family activities, and cultural festivals, making it not just a museum but a lively cultural hub.

How to Get to Palazzo Strozzi

Florence Airport, Peretola, connects to the historic centre by tram or taxi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Florence on Booking.com.

Santa Maria Novella train station is just a 10-minute walk away, making Palazzo Strozzi easy to reach for most visitors. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Driving is limited due to Florence’s ZTL zones; park outside the restricted area and walk or take a taxi to the palace. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo Strozzi

Suggested tips: Check the current exhibition schedule; Palazzo Strozzi’s shows vary widely and are often exceptional.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for quieter galleries.
Entrance fee in Euros: Exhibition tickets typically range from €12-€15.
Opening hours: Generally open daily with extended evening hours on selected days.
Official website: Palazzo Strozzi Foundation.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours depending on the exhibition.
Accessibility: Fully accessible with lifts and ramps.
Facilities: Café, bookshop, courtyard seating, restrooms.
Photography tip: Capture the perfect symmetry of the courtyard from the centre.
Guided tours: Available for major exhibitions.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants around Via Tornabuoni and Piazza della Repubblica.

Where to Stay close to Palazzo Strozzi

For an elegant stay in the historic centre, consider Hotel Brunelleschi, offering boutique charm in a restored medieval tower. Close by, Hotel Spadai provides modern comfort near the Duomo. Another excellent choice is Hotel Berchielli, offering refined accommodation near the Arno.

Is Palazzo Strozzi Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Palazzo Strozzi combines Renaissance grandeur with innovative contemporary exhibitions, making it a vibrant cultural landmark. Whether you're drawn by its architecture, its courtyard, or its acclaimed exhibitions, the palace offers an inspiring and memorable experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (11,347)

Strozzi Palace in Piazza degli Strozzi is a Renaissance palace hosting a permanent display on its history alongside major temporary art exhibitions; visitors praise its intimate, well-organized museum spaces and helpful staff, note that exhibits (recently including a major Beato Angelico show) reunite works from across Tuscany and beyond, and often highlight dramatic contemporary installations—large wooden sculptures in the courtyard—that create a striking dialogue with the historic architecture; practical tips from visitors mention the compact size makes a one-hour visit feasible, an electronic guide adds valuable context, booking ahead avoids queues, and on-site facilities include lockers and a free sparkling water dispenser.

Sissi

2 months ago

"Essential Florentine Masterpiece: A Small but Mighty Must-See Museum Name is an absolute must-see in Florence and offers a truly rewarding experiencefor any visitor interested in art and history. The quality of the collection and the overall organization make this an essential stop on any itinerary. The museum itself is small, which contributes to its intimate feel and is a positive point for those looking for a focused, high-impact visit. It is well-organized and easy to navigate, with the exhibits thoughtfully displayed. Furthermore, the staff are a credit to the institution, being uniformly helpful and polite—a welcome detail that enhances the entire visit. Essential Tips for Your Visit To make the most of your time, keep these practical points in mind: 1. Allocate Time: Due to its size, you should plan for approximately one hour to go through the main exhibits comfortably. 2. Electronic Guide: We strongly recommend utilizing the electronic guide. While it is currently only available in one language (English, as noted), the quality of the information and the depth it adds makes it an incredible value for the price of just €4. 3. Book Ahead: Book your tickets online well in advance. Upon arrival, the queue for walk-up tickets was extremely long, underscoring the necessity of pre-booking to save time and avoid a frustrating wait. In summary, this small museum is informative, and essential Florentine experience. Go, but be sure to plan ahead and get the electronic guide!..."

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Stefano DellaVigna

2 weeks ago

"Visited for the incredible Beato Angelico exhibit, a once in a century exhibit for the early Renaissance painting. The exhibits reunites paintingscattered across Tuscany and over the world. It really gives an idea of the colors and details used by the master. Beautiful spaces in the Renaissance Palace...."

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Julian Pinto

a month ago

"Palazzo Strozzi is such a stu ing blend of classic architecture and contemporary art. The space feels timeless, and the contrast between theRenaissance courtyard and the massive wooden sculptures is truly breathtaking. This installation is beautifully crafted the texture, the scale, the emotion everything feels powerful and incredibly well-made. A place that constantly surprises you and makes you appreciate the dialogue between old and new. Definitely worth a visit...."

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FAQs for Visiting Palazzo Strozzi

Yes, the courtyard is open to the public without charge.

Yes, major exhibitions typically rotate every few months.

Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard; exhibition rules vary.

Nearby Attractions to Palazzo Strozzi

Santa Maria Novella - Florence's colourful marble church.
Via Tornabuoni - Luxury shopping street with elegant palaces.
Piazza della Repubblica - Historic square with cafés and arcades.
Palazzo Davanzati - Well-preserved medieval Florentine home museum.
Duomo Complex - Cathedral, Bell Tower, and Baptistery.

The Palazzo Strozzi appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Florence!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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