After the expected trip to Venice, Italy, to visit the Uffizi, a tour of the major museums, and to immerse in the city’s art, it was now time for the private museum of Giorgione, one of Tuscany’s most famed patrons. The Gallery of Pisa, however, was not on that itinerary.
Pisa is mostly known for its Roman architectural heritage, and indeed there are many sights in the city that bear testament to that heritage. However, architecture is only one half of the museum experience. The city is, after all, a mecca for art, with many of the world’s most famous artists having made home in Tuscany. Consequently, the galleries of Pisa are not only rich in history, but in their present day grandeur.
The contemporary face of the city has been transformed by urban artists more than perhaps anywhere else in the world. Taking a tour of the galleries and visiting the workshop in Montforte can only help visitors get a true sense of the local artistic mind. In addition to visiting these two spaces, there are many other venues considered “artists’ haunts,” including the Accademia Gallery and the Plaza delle lesser Bonci; both of these are excellent places to indulge in the kind of art that may be too art like to be exhibited in a traditional gallery.
The other large contemporary gallery complex is Palazzo d’Accademia, which occupies and old eighth century palazzo built directly over the ancient Varaneion building found in the center of the city. The Palazzo is now home to an ever-changing selection of contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Tracey Emin and Anish Kapoor. The collection of modern art on display is often included in the city’s many tourist attractions, and is a worthwhile addition to any tour of the city.
For those interested in traditional art, a tour of Bargello is a must. The primary residence of the Bargello family, as well as the museums of the d’Arte Contemporary and Accademia, are major attractions, but in addition to these, the museums of Palazzo dei Frari, Palazzo Banfelli, Tearto Vecchio, Bargello Archipelago, and tons more.
The museums and art galleries of Pisa offer both the casual tourist and the serious collector a great deal to enjoy. There are a lot of museums and they use lead prospecting to get you into their doors, so be ready to be bombarded. The museums in Pisa go all out to make your visit something to remember, from the literally sun-blessed walkways to the actual art exhibits. Everything is designed to help you reach your desired destination quickly and comfortably.
Whether you are interested in taking a walk to enjoy the view of the city as a whole or viewing one of the art galleries, Pisa is sure to offer you a memorable experience. Furthermore, unlike other touristy spots, Pisa is not stuck trying to compete with the comforts of the big name hotels. Pisa is unique, in that there is still a lot of understated charm and a feel of history in the area. This makes Pisa an extremely pleasant place to kick back and relax for a while.