The
building that houses the Museum (that was opened
to the public in 1869) is the old convent of Dominican
order, restored and enlarged to its present size
for Cosimo the Elder de’ Medici by the architect
Michelozzo (1396-1472). Consecrated in 1443, this
building was the scene of fervent religious activity
and played host to personalities like S. Antonino
Pierozzi, Bishop of Florence, Beato Angelico (c.1400-1450)
and later Girolamo Savonarola.
The Museum offers visitors an example of a perfectly
preserved 15th century convent, based on the rational
and harmonious plan inspired by Bruschelleschi's
innovations. On the other hand, the complex also
contains the works of Fra' Angelico, a Dominican
monk who closely collaborated with Michelozzo
and his pupils to the fresco of the large alms-house,
the refectory, the cloister and the monks' cells
on the first floor. One of the most famous frescoes
is the Crucifixion painted in the Chapter House,
permeated by the contemplative melancholy found
in the refined spirituality of the Dominicans.
Among the frescoes of the cells, which are austere
yet full of meditative inspiration for the brethren,
we find the Annunciation, the Three Maries at
the Tomb, and the Noli me tangere.
The panel paintings in the Refectory comprise
the earlier works of Angelico, in addition to
a superb reredos showing the Last Judgement and
the Deposition set against the background of the
Tuscan hills. In addition to the works of the
Dominican Fray, the museum displays a beautiful
Last Supper frescoed by Ghirlandaio at the end
of the 15th century and a fine series of paintings
by Fra’ Bartolomeo, who spent some time
in the convent at the beginning of the 15th century
and to whom an entire room is dedicated. The Large
Refectory is instead dedicated to the painters
of his school. The Library (one of the most harmonious
examples of Renaissance architecture) displays
a fine collection of illuminated manuscripts produced
in the convent that reflect the same spirit of
meditative creativity. In addition to the cell
that once belonged to Savonarola, it is also possible
to visit the cells where Cosimo the Elder retired
to meditate.
The Visitor's Area and the underground room display
a tidy and well preserved collection of precious
objects and relics that were saved from the 19th
century destruction of the convent, in addition
to a rare collection of bells.
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