Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana Attractions & Landmark

Medici Family Library
Piazza San Lorenzo 9
Florence,
50123
Italy
Phone No. +39 55 21 1590
Fax No. +39 55 230 2992
Visit Websitehttp://www.bml.firenze.sbn.it/
E mailb-mela@beniculturali.it
Transport Options:
Train Available: Santa Maria Novella
Cards Accepted:

Overview

Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana (Laurentian Library) could be considered the Medici's family's library. Located to the left of San Lorenzo church (entrance on second floor through San Lorenzo cloister), the library was founded by Cosimo il Vecchio but it was Lorenzo the Magnificent who consistently enlarged the book collections. The monumental vestibule was designed by Michelangelo, with a large staircase, Grey sandstone framework of columns, pilasters, and corbels standing out against whitewashed walls. He also designed the beautiful wooden ceiling and carved benches/reading desks of the Reading Room. The library contains thousands of manuscripts, especially relating to Florentine Renaissance including autographs of Petrarch and Boccaccio, illuminated codices, and an uncommon collection of about 2,500 papyri.

Open Hours

Mo to Th from 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM, Fr from 08:00 AM to 02:30 PM