Michelangelo’s David : a brief history

The work was assigned to Michelangelo by the Florence cathedral on 16 August 1501, for a remuneration of 400 ducats.
In January 1504, a commission composed of the prominent artists of the time (among others, Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Filippino Lippi and the Perugino) decided that the sculpture should be placed next to the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio, as a symbol of the strength and independence of the Republic of Florentice.
On May 1504, only 2 and half years later, the statue was finished
On 8 September 1504, the statue was unveiled to the city, to the admiration of all people.
In 1872, due to its poor condition, the statue was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia an the architect Emilio De Fabris was commissioned to build a new Tribune to house the statue, completed in 1873. After a complex transport process, the statue remained in its crate until 1882, when it was finally unveiled to the public and where you can see it today.
In 1910 Luigi Arrighetti was commisioned to make a replica to replace the original statue

Where is the original statue of Michelangelo’s David?

Michelangelo’s David is in the Accademia Gallery of Florence (Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze).
The Museum’s opening hours are from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm (last admission at 6:20 pm).
Closed: January 1, December 25, every Monday.
From June 4, 2024, to September 26, 2024, the museum will extend its opening hours to the public as follows: every Tuesday until 10 p.m. (last admission 9:15 p.m.) and every Thursday until 9 p.m. (last admission 8:15 p.m.).

Which is the best way to see Michelangelo’s David?

Book our Accademia tour or our walking tour discovery of Florence with Accademia!

Curiosities of Michelangelo’s David 

• Originally, some parts of the David were gilded: a garland on his head, the trunk (or “broncone”) behind the right leg, and the sling.

• Measures: The sculpture, with its carved base, is 517 cm high and weighs 5560 kilos.

• The gigantic Carrara marble block that was used by Michelangelo to sculpt the David had already been used by other artists. Two different sculptors tried to work in this block of marble, leaving the work after having damaged it. The block of marble was in a state that no other sculptor wanted it, but Michelangelo accepted the challenge to sculpt it.

Other statues of  Michelangelo’s David around the world

Michelangelo’s David is one of the most iconic sculptures in the world, and its influence extends far beyond its original home in Florence. Several replicas and reinterpretations of Michelangelo’s masterpiece can be found around the globe, allowing people from different cultures and locations to experience this Renaissance marvel.

Piazza della Signoria, Florence

The first and perhaps most significant replica stands in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, where the original David once stood before being moved to the Accademia Gallery.

This replica, placed in 1910 and made by Luigi Arrighetti, occupies the original’s historical location, continuing to symbolize Florence’s strength and independence.

Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence

Another prominent replica is located at Piazzale Michelangelo, a famous square offering panoramic views of Florence.

This bronze copy, created in 1873, serves as a tribute to Michelangelo and provides a breathtaking backdrop for visitors taking in the city’s skyline.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London houses a full-scale plaster cast of Michelangelo’s David. This replica, made in 1857, allows visitors to closely examine the intricate details of the sculpture without traveling to Florence. The cast is displayed alongside other replicas of classical and Renaissance sculptures, offering a comprehensive view of historical art.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

IThe Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City features a cast of David’s head and shoulders, providing a detailed look at the sculpture’s expressive face. This partial replica allows art enthusiasts to study Michelangelo’s skillful portrayal of David’s intense gaze and intricate anatomical features.

The Plaza del Museo National de Bellas Artes, L’Avana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba, also boasts a replica of Michelangelo’s David, located in the Plaza of the National Museum of Fine Arts. This statue, gifted by the Italian government, symbolizes the cultural exchange between Italy and Cuba and provides an opportunity for locals and tourists to appreciate Renaissance art in a different context.

Promenade di Langelinie, Copenhagen, Danimarca

Copenhagen’s Langelinie Promenade features a bronze replica of David, placed there as part of a larger initiative to promote art and culture in public spaces.

This statue stands near the famous Little Mermaid statue, creating a unique juxtaposition of Renaissance and modern art along the waterfront.

The Forest Lawn Memorial Par, Glendale, CA, USA

Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California has a very interesting story about Michelangelo’s David that has to been replaced many times:

the musuem previously acquired a David replica in 1937, but it fell over during an earthquake in 1971. The museum still has its head and right foot on display. That David was replaced with yet another replica in 1972, but it toppled and broke during the Northridge quake in 1994. So a new replica was commisioned in 1987 and in 2020 this replica fell down too!!

The John and Marble Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL, USA 

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida, includes a replica of David in its courtyard.

This copy, part of the museum’s extensive collection of European art, allows visitors to explore the influence of Renaissance sculpture in an American setting.

David at the World Expo 2020, Dubai, UAE

David at the World Expo 2020, Dubai, UAE

A 3D-printed replica of Michelangelo’s David was featured at the Italy Pavilion during the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. This modern reproduction utilized advanced technology to recreate the sculpture with remarkable precision, demonstrating the intersection of classical art and contemporary innovation. Visitors could be face to face with the statue and so see the david in the eyes but could only only see his head and shoulders. the rest of the body could only be seen from the ground floor, which is reportedly only open to authorities and officials (perhaps to scandalous!!)