Florence - Archeological Museum

(Local Name: Museo Archeologico Centrale dell'Etruria) This is the most important archeological museum in northern Italy. Founded in 1870 its principal exhibits are finds from the areas of Italy settled by the Etruscans, as well as Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities. Collections begun by the Medici family are kept here. It is housed in the Palazzo della Crocetta which was built in 1620 for the Grand Duchess Maria Magdalena of Austria.

The museum is divided into the Topographical Museum of Etruria, the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Etruscan, Greek and Roman antiquities (Antiquarium Etrusco-Greco-Romano).

Also of interest: the coin rooms with collections of coins minted in Etruria, medieval and modern Roman coins, and Italian coins; the collection of precious stones with gems, cameos and gold and silver articles, and the collection of vases with the famous "Françoise Vase", by Klitias from the studio of the Greek Ergotimos (sixth century B.C.).

Also worth seeing are the Etruscan Gallery of Plaster Casts, the Gallery of Etruscan Painting, the collection of hieroglyphics begun by Lorenzo de'Medici (the Magnificent) and the pre-historic department.