Description

The building that houses the Musem (that was opened to the public in 1869) is the old convent of Dominican order restored and enlarged to its present size for Cosimo dei Medici by the architect Michelozzo.

The building was the scene of fervent religious activity and hosted personalities like Fra Angelico and later Girolamo Savonarola, known for his burning of books he considered immoral art.

Fra Angelico is known in Italy as il Beato Angelico, the term "Il Beato" ("Blessed One") being already in use during his lifetime or shortly thereafter, in reference to his skills in painting religious subjects. In 1982 Pope John Paul II conferred beatification to him in recognition of the holiness of his life.

In 1436 Fra Angelico was one of the friars from Fiesole who moved to the newly-built Friary of San Marco in Florence.

This was an important move which brought him about the patronage of one of the wealthiest and most powerful members of the city's Signoria, Cosimo de' Medici, who had a large cell (later occupied by Savonarola) reserved for himself at the friary in order that he might want to retreat.

The Museum offers visitors an example of a perfectly preserved 15th century convent, based on a rational and harmonious plan inspired by Bruschelleschi's innovations.

On the other hand, the complex also contains the works of Fra' Angelico who closely collaborated with Michelozzo and his pupils to the frescoes of the house, the refectory, the cloister and the monks' cells on the first floor.

The panel paintings in the Refectory comprises the earlier works of Angelico, the Last Judgement and the Deposition set against the background of the Tuscan hills.

In addition to the works of the Dominican Fray, the museum displays a beautiful Last Supper frescoed by Ghirlandaio at the end of the 15th century and a fine series of paintings by Fra' Bartolomeo, who spent some time in the convent at the beginning of the 15th century.