Stibbert Museum

The Stibbert Museum in Florence is a fascinating place, located on the hill of Montughi, which offers a unique journey through different eras and cultures. Founded by Frederick Stibbert, an Anglo-Italian collector born in 1838, the museum is housed in his villa, a residence that resembles a medieval castle with towers, battlements, and heraldic crests. Frederick Stibbert inherited a considerable fortune upon the death of his father, a British officer, and dedicated his life to collecting art objects and historical artifacts from around the world. His passion for collecting led him to travel extensively and bring back to Florence a wide range of objects, creating one of the most eclectic and rich collections of his time. The villa, transformed into a museum after Stibbert’s death in 1906, houses over 50,000 pieces, including weapons, armor, costumes, paintings, porcelain, and furniture. The armor collection is one of the most impressive in the world, with pieces from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Among the most spectacular rooms is the Hall of the Cavalcade, where knights in full armor, both European and Ottoman, are displayed in military formation. The museum also offers a section dedicated to Japanese armor, with nearly 100 sets of samurai armor, making it one of the most complete collections outside of Japan. This section, visitable by appointment, represents an important testimony of Japanese culture and martial art. In addition to armor, the museum houses a wide range of other objects, such as paintings, tapestries, antique furniture, and historical costumes, offering a comprehensive overview of decorative arts. Among the paintings is also a work attributed to Sandro Botticelli. The park surrounding the villa is another gem of the Stibbert Museum. Designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi, the park is an example of a romantic garden from the 19th century, with a variety of plant species, statues, columns, and architectural structures inspired by different styles and eras. A distinctive feature is the Egyptian temple, built by Stibbert himself, which adds an exotic touch to the garden. The park, with its shaded paths and panoramic views, is an ideal place to stroll and immerse oneself in the romantic and mysterious atmosphere that Stibbert wanted to create. Frederick Stibbert lived a life dedicated to his passion for collecting, and having no heirs, he left his villa and collections to the city of Florence, with the clause that everything be preserved as he had organized it. The museum is now managed by a foundation that is committed to respecting this will, preserving the original environment and collections as desired by Stibbert.