Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence

Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence is most famous as the home of Michelangelo's monumental *David*, a 5.17-meter (17-foot) marble sculpture completed between 1501 and 1504. This iconic work, originally intended for the Florence Cathedral, has been housed in the Accademia since 1873. The museum also showcases other significant works by Michelangelo, including his unfinished *Prisoners* (also known as *Slaves*), which were created for the tomb of Pope Julius II. The Accademia attracts a substantial number of visitors, with approximately 1.7 million annually in recent years. While *David* is undoubtedly the star attraction, the museum's focused collection allows for a deep appreciation of Michelangelo's genius, though the museum can get crowded due to its popularity.