The new museum now spreads out across the entire complex and is divided into 3 'itineraries' or sections: within the basement where the entrance is located, the History of the Institute is presented, the ground floor highlights the Architectural treasures of the complex itself, from Brunelleschi's courtyards to the front Loggia and the first floor is dedicated to the Art housed within a dedicated gallery. Now that the museum has reopened, I hope it will slowly work its way into the itineraries of all those who appreciate art as well as learning more about the history of Florence. I visited several years ago, and let's just say that the lighting was poor and while the artworks were protected, no one knew about the museum so it was practically a hidden gem that I recommended to those that had a bit more time to spend in Florence. The museum, in particular, used to consist of a few rooms on the top floor that housed the many important artworks that have been donated and commissioned for the institute through the centuries. Within its doors, UNICEF's Research center is also housed. Also known as the orphanage where children could be left anonymously, the Institute in modern times now offers services to children, pregnant mothers in difficult situations and mothers with young children as well as helps promote the rights of children. Born as a 'hospital of innocents' as a charitable work of the Silk Guild who commissioned Filippo Brunelleschi as architect, the institute has seen various changes through the centuries but always maintaining its focus on helping children. Since its inception, it has been dedicated exclusively to the hospitality of children, to their education and to protecting their rights. The Institute was born in the 14th century and as such is the oldest public institution in Italy. The museum is housed within the centuries-old Institute degli Innocenti and allows the public to enter its doors to glimpse its six centuries of history, its architectural spaces created by Brunelleschi and to the masterpieces housed within, which includes works by Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. AnnunziataĪfter 3 years of works, the Innocenti Museum reopened its doors on June 24th, 2016 to the public.

The innocence museum