I was just there. Some of the statues in the Piazza della Signoria are being restored and not on view right now. The 'fake' David (with the bird poop)in the Piazza doesn't compare in beauty to the real one. And, no, it's not behind plexiglass. Paulo's probably thinking of Michelangelo's Pieta in St. Peter's/Rome.

I wasn't aware that they've removed the plexiglass barrier, Howard (and I'm glad they did). I had visited it in the eighties and it was, as Joyce describes, out in the open. In the early nineties, after it had suffered a hammer attack by some lunatic, it was protected by a glass barrier. I last visited it in 94 or 95 and the glass was still there. <BR> <BR>I agree with you that watching the copy in Piazza della Signoria has nothing to do with the experience of "experiment" it from close range. But Danielle seems somewhat "lost" (being torn between sculpture or painting) and the result of her inquiry is very much predictable, once there's no clear cut answer to it: some will recomend one, some the other and some, yet, both. I figured that seeing the numerous pieces of sculpture in Piazza della Signoria (which can't be misse anyway) could help her decision :-) <BR> <BR>Paulo

Danielle; <BR> <BR>We've been to both. One of the things we liked about the Accademia is that the curators have tried to reach the novice art viewer (read: most of us!) In at least one room of the gallery there are small photos of other examples of a given painter's work, next to the work being displayed. This helps one to understand what the 'style' of that painter is and how he differs from the rest. It's much more fun to look at art as a puzzle to be solved, than as a 'must-do, this is good for me' item on a holiday. Enjoy yourselves!

Paulo, I never thought I would have to correct you! You are thinking of the Pieta. That glorious sculpture in St. Peter's is the one that was damaged by a lunatic with a hammer. And, unfortunately, to this day, it is still shielded for viewers by plexiglass. <BR>Paulo, you're still the best!

Thank you all so much for your advice - it has been so helpful. I think we will go to the Accademia for sure and then see how we feel about visiting another museum. You guys are great! Thanks again!

Having been to Florence several times,I agree with the above that if you only have a limited time-go see David. I would also add going to see the Scientific museum of Florence which is just around the corner of the Uffizi.The place is loaded with all sorts of goodies of Galileo,Da Vinci,etc.-globes,simple inventions,etc.It is rather compact in size and really is interesting to all types of personalities. <BR>(The Uffizi is really only if you want to see art and are willing to stand in line for the tickets.)Be sure and walk to the top of the Duoma for an unbelievable view/experience.Enjoy,Debbie

Now you got me all confused, Howard :-) <BR>Sure, the Pieta was damaged in the early 70s and it has been protected by a glass since it has been restored. If I'm not wrong, the damage was to Maddona's arm, veil and face. <BR> <BR>I thought (not so sure anymore) that Michelangelo's David was attacked some 20 years later with light damages (to his toes?). I must admit though, that my mind doesn't bear a clear picture of the David being protected by a glass ... it has been a long time since I saw it last. Or maybe the David was indeed damaged but there never was a glass? <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>Paulo

Well, Howard, I'm relieved to find out that I'm only slightly senile :-) <BR> <BR>Michelangelo's David was indeed damaged by a certain Piero Cannata who, in September 14th, 1991, hit David's left foot toes with a hammer. BTW, this vandal subsequently damaged a series of other works of art, the last of which a Pollock's painting in Rome, a couple of years ago. <BR> <BR>Subsequently, a plexiglass screen was set around the statue's BASE (which is at least 6ft high) to keep visitors at a distance (thus not hindering an adult's view). There are reports that this screen was there in May 99 and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's still there presently. <BR> <BR>My memory (rationalization?) obviously failed badly when it made me believe that the plexiglass was on one's view. <BR> <BR>Paulo

Howard:When it comes to Italy, Paulo is always right! And if he's not quite right, he gets it right sooner than later.

:-) <BR> <BR>But it ain't true, David. I goofed badly quite a few times and certainly will continue to do so in the near future! <BR> <BR>In a way, I love it because it gives me an opportunity to learn. For instance, in researching what prompted me to make the erroneous statement in this thread, I learned that our vandal struck again and again till he was locked in a madhouse. I also learned which other sculptures in Italy were damaged by vandals in the last couple decades. Finally, I came across info on the number of art pieces that were stolen in Italy during a particular year ... (just unbelievable!) <BR> <BR>Paulo

David, you are right. (Hey, I said I'd never thought I'd see the day when I would have to correct Paulo. And, I guess, I still haven't really seen the day!) <BR>And, Paulo, you are most gracious! <BR>(P.S.: I've got a copy of your "famous walking tour of Siena" with my must-take items for a September trip to Tuscany. So, you see, you're still the Italy authority to me!)

Just back - We saw the Accademia in the morning, walked through the Duomo then had lunch and went to the Uffizi in the afternoon. It was totally exhausting, but worth it. Truly, the Accademia doesn't take long (in fact we did some shopping, stopped at our hotel to drop off the packages, and then headed out again). The Uffizi for a non-arty guy could be tough. It is very easy to walk around Florence's "Centro" however. We only had 2.5 days in Florence and will undoubtably be back for another visit. Best meal we had was at Il Toscano.

And don't miss the Bargello museum. It's a museum of sculpture in a lovely setting. The setting itself is so pleasant and not at all warehouse-like and you will not feel like you are trapped indoors in a stuffy museum. I don't think there will be any wait to get in, and it's not huge.