Hospital of Innocents image

Hospital of Innocents

Tourist attraction Museum Historic site

Europe's oldest foundling hospital, with terracotta reliefs of babies by Andrea della Robbia. People often mention museum, nice, history, children, floor, views, orphanage, cafe, Florence, rooftop,


Address

P.za della SS. Annunziata, 12, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

Website

www.istitutodeglinnocenti.it

Contact

+39 055 20371

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
  • Monday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (20) nice (10) history (9) children (9) floor (7) views (7) orphanage (6) cafe (6) Florence (6) rooftop (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sophie 8 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    Really interesting, engaging yet moving museum that you don't even have to queue for (I'm talking to you, Duomo). It even has a fantastic art gallery containing a Botticelli! We first heard about it on a walking tour and we were so glad we went back to see it. An intriguing look through the history of the home for abandoned or orphaned children that dates back, amazingly, to the 15th century. The building and courtyards are beautiful but the exhibitions are heart wrenching and uplifting, as well as very informative. I couldn't recommend this museum enough: please go and see it! It cost two adults 9 euros without seeing the extra exhibition and there was no queue at around 3pm.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claire W. 5 years ago on Google
    The museum is absolutely wonderful. Dedicated to the orphanage that was here from the 1500s where Florentines could leave their unwanted babies. The museum takes visitors through the centuries, including interactive histories telling the stories from the hospital's records of the babies that came here, what happened to them and what life was like here. On the first floor, you look down into the chapel as the wet nurses used to. On the second floor is a café, which can be accessed without buying a ticket for the museum, with a lovely view of the city's rooftops.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rob M. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for the art…was enchanted with the story of the first “care home” for children established in the 1200s. Foundational work on fostering and nursing care for babies. Learned over centuries of care. Institution played critical role in UNICEF and many other movements in the aid and care of children. The original Luca Della Robbia rondels of swaddled babies (the logo for Hospital for the Innocents) still adorn the outside walls. Two which are restored are in the 2nd floor Art gallery. Disability Note: free admission for guest and caregiver. Will edit/update with photos from the 4th floor cafe which is supposed to have lovely views of Florence. Cafe open from 4pm-8pm.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pong L. 2 months ago on Google • 466 reviews New
    This is a very nice museum, it has a very nice collection of paintings, religious artifacts, sculptures, jewelry, and other various artifacts. Its collection is very well preserved and displayed, I really enjoyed the time I spent here. There is a lovely rooftop where you can take some nice scenic photos. I would definitely recommend checking out this museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melvin J. 10 months ago on Google • 972 reviews
    The Hospital of Innocents is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Europe. It was founded in 1419 and was originally established as an orphanage for abandoned children. Today, the Hospital of Innocents serves as a museum and cultural center, providing insights into the history of child welfare and healthcare in Renaissance Florence.

  • 5/5 Annabella 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful but heart wrenching stories of the first orphanage in Florence. Botticelli in the Art Museum is a highlight but a Steve McCurry exhibit was special as well
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MACTackleBox 1 year ago on Google
    The history, the art, the views from the rooftop Caffè. Gorgeousss!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kent W. 1 year ago on Google
    Free to enter the Hospital museum, and the cafe on the roof is nice
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simone Olivia M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great (current) exhibition on Escher. Generally a beautiful environment. Museum about history of the hospital and orphanage and artpieces by various florentine masters outstanding. Finishing off the visit with a prosecco on the rooftop terrace looking over the rooftops towards the synagogue.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marco A (. 1 year ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Evocative place enriched by the historical memory of the many volumes and artifacts and recorded kept in the museum archive. A place to visit by those with a kind soul. On the top floor there is a bar where you can eat and also having an excellent Italian espresso. The picture I attached shows up the magnificent sight of Florence's downtown roofs from the Bar located at the top of the museum.

  • 5/5 Claus C. 4 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    600 years of service to orphans. Gets you thinking about how lucky most of us reading this and visiting the place are. Beautiful art, and moving displays of the objects left by the mothers. Don’t miss the rooftop cafe with spectacular views.

  • 4/5 Cherokee R. 1 year ago on Google • 39 reviews
    We visited for the MC Escher exhibit, which was interactive, playful & educational. It was a nice change of pace, from typical tourist sightseeing in Italy, to see more modern works of art. That said, it was a bit crowded. Small rooms in a basement like setting. Would give this experience 5 stars IF they limited the number of guests allowed in the exhibit at the same time, a bit more.

  • 5/5 Carina V. 6 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    Beautiful building designed by Filippo Bruneleschi with an unbelievable rich history as an orphanage which is well documented in the extremly interesting museum! The artefacts e.g. by Ghirlandaio and Andrea della Robbia you can find here as well are stunningly beautiful. This museum is definitely worth visiting!

  • 5/5 Ann M. 1 year ago on Google
    This was an incredible experience! Not crowded and air conditioned on a hot July afternoon. Do a little reading about the history and take time to open the drawers that show items that were left with the infants = unforgettable. Have a Prosecco in the cafe on the 5th level and enjoy an amazing Duomo view… This museum is a “MUST DO” for anyone desiring an “off-the-beaten-path” experience!!!

  • 5/5 Frank B. 6 months ago on Google
    Lovely testament to help for abandoned children. Well worth a visit even though it's hardly mentioned as "one to visit". On the top floor is a very nice restaurant with stunning views and an open rooftop terrace. The terrace can be seen in the top left of the photo.

  • 5/5 Magpie M. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful little museum telling the human story of some of Florence's abandoned children, in a purpose built Brunelleschi-designed edifice, and with a fascinating collection of art in the upper floors. Beautifully curated in a modern style which really speaks of the care taken of the city's Innocenti. And to literally top it all off, there's a cafe with lovely staff, good food and brilliant city views.

  • 5/5 Konstantinos M. 1 year ago on Google
    Each city has a hidden gem. In Florence, this is it. This is an old convent that was used to "abandon" unwanted children up until the 18th century. The history, the records kept inside and well presented are amazing. The square outside is spectacular. Visit without hesitation.

  • 4/5 Steve P. 10 months ago on Google
    An interesting museum about the history of the orphanage. In my opinion the entry fee was a bit high for the size and the type of exhibition. Nevertheless, if you have the time and you've been to the rest of the museums check this one out.

  • 5/5 Jeffrey K. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting museum about a place for foster children. So many stories. Also, the main building was designed by Brunelleschi. The audio tour provides information on the art and architecture. There is a nice café upstairs. Prices are higher but the view is very nice and it’s much quieter than a street café.

  • 5/5 Shirl H. 1 year ago on Google
    Escher exhibition was great well worth the money spent at least two hours looking at it. Loved the interactive parts too. Cafe on fifth floor is great too lovely views across the city and prices okay

  • 5/5 Neil L. 1 year ago on Google
    Uplifting story of Florentines generosity in 15th century in contrast to the Medici story. Great view from café and usually quiet.

  • 5/5 Eduardo b. 2 years ago on Google
    The Lego expo is amazing

  • 5/5 Emerald H. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice museum and historical site. Beautiful paintings and fast and friendly service at the ticket booth.

  • 5/5 Clara I. 1 year ago on Google
    A great surprise in Florence, I very much enjoyed this museum; the coffee place on the rooftop is really nice as well

  • 5/5 Sebastian K. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place, always great exhibitions (last ome visited: MC Escher). Check out the roof bar with one of the nicest views over Florence!

  • 3/5 Ralph N. 1 year ago on Google
    The actual Hospital of Innocents is beautiful, but they have inconsistent hours. We tried to go on a Tuesday and they said to come back on Wednesday. My suggestion would be to call the phone number to ask if they are open before making the trek out there. Even if it is closed, the plaza it is located in is pleasant for an espresso and people watching. While we were outside, there was live music at around noon with an electric guitar musician.

  • 5/5 Jamie K. 2 years ago on Google • 2 reviews
    This museum is wonderful. The history, focusing on the lives of the children and mothers is brilliantly researched and brought to life very well. It’s also pretty quiet so you can get away from the crowds and then sit upstairs at a cafe with a wonderful view.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +39 055 20371 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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