Museums: Museo degli Innocenti (Part 1 of 4)

Six centuries ago in Florence, there was no Social Services agency or Department of Children and Families, but there were hundreds of unwanted newborn children.

So, socially minded citizens of Florence established many institutions for the care of newborn children and others needing care.  One of those institutions is now known as the Museo degli Innocenti, or the Museum of the Innocents.

The innocenti, or "the innocents," were newborns whose parent (or parents) abandoned them at this hospital to be raised there.  The child, provided it was newborn and therefore very small, would be placed by the parent into a very small opening in a grated window at the hospital.  If the baby didn't fit, it couldn't be entrusted to the hospital.

For several decades, benefactors of the hospital (including some who grew up as "innocenti" there) commissioned works of art by some of the great Renaissance artists. So, the collection is quite astounding, with works by Botticelli and della Robbia.  Also, the original building is a great example of Renaissance architecture designed by Brunelleschi.  That is why the former hospital is now a museum.

The Renaissance façade of the Museo degli Innocenti (prior to the start of renovations)

[UPDATED PHOTO]  The Renaissance façade of the Museo degli Innocenti, following completion of renovations (1/18/2017)

The museum is currently being renovated, and the project is nearly complete.  The  renovations make the museum one of the best places in Florence to view Renaissance and post-Renaissance artwork. 

Here are some photos of the museum's art collection.

Museo degli Innocenti, large gallery of Renaisannce art

Close up of one of the original putti.  Copies of the originals will replace the originals on the façade of the building, to protect the originals from the elements. 

One of several diorama in the museum.

Next up:  More about the hospital's history.