The Orsanmichele Church Museum in Florence

A Grain Market

Orsanmichele church museum in Florence, Italy

Orsanmichele Museum The history of the Orsanmichele church-museum is surprising and interesting.

Until the 8th century, the oratory of San Michele in Orto stood on the site of this church.

In 1290, the architect Arnolfo di Cambio built a loggia on the same site to house a covered grain market. This loggia was destroyed by fire in 1304.

In 1337, three architects, Francesco Talenti, Neri di Fioravante and Benci di Cione, built a new, larger loggia, still intended to house the grain market.

In 1367-1380, with the aim of transforming the market into a warehouse, the architect Simone Talenti closed off the arcades and raised the height of the building by adding two additional storeys.

Orsanmichele Museum The work lasted until 1404.

A warehouse transformed into a church

Then, towards the end of the 15th century, the market, which had become a warehouse, was transformed into a church dedicated to the Florentine guilds.

Later, the Signoria, the government of Florence, obliged the various guilds to install under each of the walled arches of the old loggia a series of tabernacles decorated with statues of the patron saints of each of the guilds.

The project involved the greatest artists present in Florence, which gives us the chance today to admire one of the richest examples of 15th century Florentine sculpture, as well as a sculpture from the 16th century and another from the beginning of the 17th century.

The Sculptors:
- Verrocchio and Baccio
- Brunelleschi and Tedesco
- Donatello
- Ghiberti
- Giambologna and Lamberti
- Nanni di Banco

Art History History | Verrocchio Baccio | Brunelleschi Tedesco | Donatello | Ghiberti | Giambologna Lamberti | Nanni Banco | Outdoors
Orsanmichele Art History | Location | Opening Hours Tickets | Authorizations

Back to Top of Page