Vita Italian Tours
03 9080 3440
  • About Us
  • Small Group Tours
  • Le Marche Region
  • Tailor-Made Tours
  • Italy Day Tours
  • School Tours
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Michelangelo’s masterpiece David, celebrates 140 years in the Academy Gallery

Posted 1 June, 2022 By Dijana

Michelangelo's statue of David

It has been 140 years that Michelangelo’s David has been housed in the specially built Tribuna in the Academy Gallery in Florence to protect it for prosperity. Inaugurated in the summer of 1882, the exhibit has exalted one of the most extraordinary masterpieces in the history of art made by the hand of the Florentine genius, Michelangelo.

Let’s step back to the 16th Century


Named ‘the Giant’, a five-and-a-half (5.5) metre marble block considered damaged goods in 1464 by the Opera del Duomo, was reconsidered after thirty-five years laying in their courtyard. Artists of the ‘moment’ were each evaluated and considered for the new project, names such as Andrea Sansovino, Leonardo da Vinci and, Michelangelo Buonarroti.

In 1501, the Opera del Duomo commissioned Michelangelo for the project, and from this single block of marble referred as ‘the Giant’, the genius isolated himself to create ‘David’, now considered the most iconic masterpiece of the Renaissance.

Figuratively focussing on balance, harmony, and the ideal male form, Michelangelo’s David, is reflective of these artistic sensibilities through his lifelike, asymmetrical pose, and his realistic and detailed anatomy.

A statue five metres high, weighing over five tonnes. David was completed in 1504.

Let’s learn a little about the genius, Michelangelo Buonarroti


It’s difficult to comprehend that at the age of 26, Michelangelo began the statue of David, completing him at 29 years of age.

Born in 1475, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni spent his childhood in Tuscany. Considered a key artist of the Italian High Renaissance, his talent was clear from a young age, trained in both painting and sculpting. Raised at his father’s marble quarry, one would understand his love of marble and creating beautiful things. Throughout his teens, Michelangelo learned from many prominent Florentine artists, apprenticing and absorbing as much as he could from them.

Prior to David, Michelangelo had created another successful piece, in 1498, he began sculpting his first Pietà (a depiction of the Virgin Mary supporting the body of the dead Christ) for French cardinal, Jean de Bilhères. This piece remains one of Michelangelo’s most important works.

Where is David now?


On the completion of David in 1504, the statue was placed outdoors in Florence’s Palazzo della Signoria, standing as a symbol of strength and defiance. Three centuries later in 1873, David was moved to his permeant home, inside the hallowed halls of Tribuna in the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. He was inaugurated in 1882.

Michelangelo's statue of David
Tribuna in the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze.

To celebrate 140 years of Michelangelo’s David, the Gallery’s Director, Cecilie Hollberg, has organised a programme (starting in May 2022) with both national and international musicians, art historians and intellectuals, paying tribute to one of the most iconic and important sculptures in the world. The events conclude June 27 with author and performer, Patti Smith, in a special musical reading, a tribute to Michelangelo’s genius.

Visit the Academy Gallery


Want to learn more about the artists of the Italian Renaissance and visit David at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze? Vita Italian Tours feature a stop in the breathtaking city of Florence, on several of our small group tours. We also devise tailor made private tours and itineraries for travellers wanting a personal experience with only the best local guides. Let us help you explore the city’s rich history, culture, and art.

Share this story
Previous
Next
Pasta Alla Norma, a quintessential Sicilian dish, Pasta Alla Norma, a quintessential Sicilian dish, captures the heart of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Known for its vibrant flavours and simplicity, this iconic recipe is a celebration of the island’s agricultural bounty, its cultural history, and its passion for gastronomy.

Check the link in our bio for the recipe and origins of this wonderful dish. 

#pastalover #pastanorma #catania #sicily #neverstopexploring #vitaitaliantours #pasta #sicily🇮🇹 #igerssicily #slowfoodcatania #slowfoodsicilia #pastarecipes
Milan is a city that effortlessly combines traditi Milan is a city that effortlessly combines traditional and modernity. Known globally for its influence in fashion and design, Milan is also a treasure trove of history, art, and culture making it an essential destination for any traveller. 

Visiting or thinking of visiting Milan? So often over looked by visitors to Italy we share our love and connection to this amazing city in our latest travel blog. Check the link in our bio.

#milan #milano #vitaitaliantours #milanocity #wanderlust #smallgrouptours #neverstopexploring
Magical Matera in the southern Italian Region of B Magical Matera in the southern Italian Region of Basilicata. A UNESCO world heritage site and one of the oldest continually inhabited place on earth. @vitaitaliantours

#vitaitaliantours #slowtourism #neverstopexploring #italy #matera #sassidimatera #basilicata
Stunningly beautiful Lake Como in Northern Italy. Stunningly beautiful Lake Como in Northern Italy. One of our favourite stops on our Northern Lakes & Dolomites small group tour. As crowd numbers swell in Italy in the warmer months small group touring allows travellers just enough structure to see some out of the way gems while still allowing for independent time to explore. Check the link in our bio to find out more about our 2025 small group tour departures or how we can devise a tailor-made travel package for your next italian adventure.
With the seaside city of Pesaro being awarded the With the seaside city of Pesaro being awarded the 2024 Italian Capital of Culture there has never been a better time to explore Le Marche Region on Italy's Adriatic Coast. Get off the tourist trail and away from the crowds. Visit Renaissance & Medieval hill-towns, taste exquisite food & wine and experience genuine local hospitality. Contact us to plan you visit to Le Marche today. Check the link in our bio.
The spectacular UNESCO world heritage Dolomite Mou The spectacular UNESCO world heritage Dolomite Mountains located in the Northern Italian Alps. A vast and dramatic landscape of peaks, rocky pinnacles and valleys with a myraid of contrasting colours. Come and explore this beautiful mountain landscape with us on our Northern Lakes & Dolomites small group tour. For more information check out the link in our bio. 

#vitaitaliantours #slowtourism #dolomites #dolomiti #mountains #dolomitiunesco #italy #neverstopexploring
Nearly 500kms from Naples, the birthplace of the m Nearly 500kms from Naples, the birthplace of the modern pizza, in the seaside city of Pesaro we find La Macelleria – Cucina & Pizza. This humble restaurant known for using only high-quality ingredients has recently been awarded Best Traditional Neapolitan Pizza at the 2024 World Pizza Championships. Check out our recent travel blog to learn more. Link in bio. 

#vitaitaliantours #slowtourism #pesaro2024 #slowfood #volgomarche #igerspesaro #pizza
The Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Dating from the 14t The Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Dating from the 14th century it was the only bridge crossing the Arno River to survive the Second World War. Forever a focal point for both locals and travellers alike, an icon of the city. 

#vitaitaliantours #pontevecchio #florence #neverstopexploring #smallgrouptours #tuscany
This is Piazza del Popolo, the centre of Pesaro wh This is Piazza del Popolo, the centre of Pesaro where the people come to meet, where they have a coffee and celebrate events. It is the fulcrum of the life of the city. It is surrounded by historical buildings some dating back to the 14th century. Discover Pesaro & Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy.

#piazzadelpopolo #whereismario #pesaro #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #vitaitaliantours #mymarche #traveltoitaly #pesaro2024 #smallgrouptours #visititaly #mariovitellone #ladolcevita #marchetourism #passeggiata #wanderlust #neverstopexploring #piazza #forum #hiddengem #discovertheundiscovered #secretdestination #slowtourism #italia
Beautiful cobbled streets lead us to Mario's favou Beautiful cobbled streets lead us to Mario's favourite piazza in Pesaro, where we can feel the echoes of the famous sons of Le Marche Region. A place to enjoy an aperitivo served in one of the oldest buildings in town. 

Discover Pesaro & Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy 

#museicivici #pesaro2024 #vitaitaliantours #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #Italy #offthebeatenpath #smallgrouptours #marchetourism #casettavaccaj #hiddengem #secretdestination #wanderlust #neverstopexploring #whereismario #volgomarche #igerslemarche
In the heart of the historical centre of Pesaro yo In the heart of the historical centre of Pesaro you will find the renowned Rossini Conservatory where students come from all of the world to study music and il bel canto. Every year the city hosts the Rossini Opera Festival in August where the composer's most famous and lesser known works are performed to opera and music lovers who come from all over the world. 

Discover Pesaro and Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy. 

#rossini #vitaitaliantours #conservatoriorossini #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #pesaro2024 #smallgrouptours #visititaly #marchetourism #crescendorossiniano #mymarche #conservatorio #offthebeatenpath #hiddengem #Italy #pesarocittàdellamusica
Carnevale di Venezia has just wrapped up for anoth Carnevale di Venezia has just wrapped up for another year. Want to learn about the origins of this famous event and the history of masks at this wonderfully colourful and decadent annual festival? Click the link in our bio to find out more. 

📷 @grahamguenther 

#carnevaledivenezia #carnevalevenezia #veniceitaly #venezia #igersvenezia #volgovenezia #vitaitaliantours #smallgrouptours #discoveritaly #veneto #Italy #wanderlust
@vitaitaliantours founder Mario walking with his s @vitaitaliantours founder Mario walking with his son  Gianni in the historical heart of Pesaro for a special treat, the Caffè Completo.

Caffè completo consists of coffee, whipped cream and zabaione. Have you ever tasted it? 

Discover Pesaro and Le Marche with us: a place we call home when in Italy.

#caffècompleto #whereismario #pesaro #caffebarrier #discoverpesaro #discoverlemarche #vitaitaliantours #mymarche #traveltoitaly #pesaro2024 #letsmarche #smallgroup #visititaly #mariovitellone #caffe #italiancoffee #zabaione #ladolcevita #marchetourism #hiddengem #secretdestination #slowtourism #italy
Where is Mario? Follow him in one of Italy's Best Where is Mario? Follow him in one of Italy's Best Kept Secret Destinations. Come and discover Pesaro and Le Marche Region: a place we call home when in Italy.
The spectacular Valley of the Temples in Agrigento The spectacular Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily. It is the largest archaeological park in Europe and boasts some of the finest ancient Greek temples in the world. Pictured is the Temple of Concordia with a bronze statue by Igor Mitoraj in the foreground. The statue represents the tragic Greek myth of Icarus who flew too close to the sun. This is one of our favourite places to explore on our small group tour the Colours of Sicily. Check the link in our bio for more on this and other small group tours of Italy.
North of Verona you will find the beautifully terr North of Verona you will find the beautifully terraced rolling hills of the Valpolicella wine region. They have been making wine in this area since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today there are over 400 wineries here dotted throughout the countryside producing one of Italy's finest reds, Amarone. With characteristic medieval villages and stately wine estates it's no wonder this region is known as the 'Pearl of Verona'. Want a private chauffeur driven tour or custom self-drive itinerary to visit Valpolicella? Check-out the 'Tailor-Made Travel' link in our bio for more info.
The enchanting coastal village of Cefalu in Sicily The enchanting coastal village of Cefalu in Sicily is known for its beautiful crescent shaped beach as well as its stunning 12th century  Norman Cathedral. Always a favourite stop on our Colours of Sicily small group tour. Check the link in our bio for more info.
One of the most beautiful coastal villages in all One of the most beautiful coastal villages in all of Italy, Cefalu is a favourite stop on our Colours of Sicily small group tour. Check the link in our bio for more info.
The vibrant streets of Monopoli in Puglia. One of The vibrant streets of Monopoli in Puglia. One of the jewels of the southern Italian Adriatic Coast. In the warmer months this once traditional fishing village comes alive with movement through its maze of alleyways of the historical centre and ancient port area. This photo was taken from our most recent small group tour the Spectacular South. To find out more check out the link in our bio.
The beautiful seaside town of Termoli on the Adria The beautiful seaside town of Termoli on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. It's historical centre has a maze of little laneways and small cobbled streets dotted with restaurants, bars and craft shops. It is a favourite stop on our Spectacular South small group tour. Find out more about Termoli or our small groups tour via the link in our bio.
  • Sign up for updates and offers

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Menu
  • Small Group Tours
    • Small Group Tour Testimonials
  • Tailor-Made Travel
    • Tailor-Made Travel Testimonials
  • Educational School Tours
    • Educational Tours Testimonials
  • Le Marche Region Small Group Tours
  • Day Tours of Italy
  • Booking Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Contact
1/25 Little Oxford Street
Collingwood VIC 3066
Australia
Ph. 03 9080 3440
Em. [email protected]

Pronto Travel Logo

We accept the following cards:

 

© 2025 Solito Investments Pty. Ltd. Trading as Vita Italian Tours
Pronto Travel ABN 49 585 472 899