The Museo Nazionale del Bargello is one of the oldest buidlings in Florence and dates all the way back to 1255. It originally was built as the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo and later of the Podesta. After that it was in the 16th century the residence of the Bargello or head of the police. Throughout the 18th century it was used as a prison and finally in the mid-19th century it began its use as a national museum. Today it houses sculptures and many minor arts by famous artists such as Donatello, Della Robbia, Cellini, Giambologna, and Michelangelo. The rooms on the ground floor of the museum show off 16th century Tuscan works. The large 14th century hall on the first floor exhibits works of art by Donatello and his pupils; it also contains some Madonna and Child paintings. Many minor arts are spread throughout the museum on both the first and second floors and include ivories from Rome, Byzantine and other examples, medieval glazes, Limoges Porcelain from German and French gold works, renaissance jewels, Islamic damascened bronze, grand ducal collections, and Venetian glass. There are also small statues spread throughout the second floor including three of Hercules and one of Atlas.
"National Museum of Bargello." National Museum of Bargello. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
"Museo Nazionale Del Bargello." Firenze, Musei Di Firenze. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
"National Museum of Bargello." National Museum of Bargello. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
"Museo Nazionale Del Bargello." Firenze, Musei Di Firenze. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.