New Sacristy
We arrived at the allotted time slot, got in the short line and were inside within 10 minutes - very efficient and effective way to see the most magnificent (over the top) single space in Florence.
The Museum of the Medici Chapels is located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of Florence's biggest and oldest churches. This ticket will give you access to the New Sacristy, the Chapel of the Princes, the Lorenese Crypt, and a section of the Treasure of San Lorenzo's Basilica. With this ticket, you can also see temporary exhibitions.
The Medici family was one of the most powerful families in the city's history. The Basilica di San Lorenzo was built thanks to their support and the financial responsibility they took over the construction. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century and was to be a mausoleum for members of the Medici family. The famous artist also designed many of the tombs that are found in the New Sacristy. More than 50 members of the Medici family have tombs in the New Sacristy and in the Chapel of Princes. Surmounted by a great dome, the Chapel of Princes was a true expression of court art, being the result of the collaboration of artists and lords alike.
Your ticket also includes access to the Treasure of San Lorenzo's Basilica and the Cripta Lorenese. Until recently the Treasure of San Lorenzo was carefully preserved behind closed doors but now the underground floors of the Medici chapels have been carefully prepared to have parts of the Basilica's treasure on display. Special focus is given to some works of art that were recently restored – like the Christ by Michelozzo, a silver statue completed in the year 1444, and the Bust of Saint Peter in wood and painted gold, which dates back to 1552. The Cripta Lorenese is the crypt of the Lorena family that succeeded the Medici family in the city's administrative role. They also had their family mausoleum built in the Basilica di San Lorenzo between the tomb of Father Cosimo Patrie and the Medici Sepulcher.
