Sadly, most tours to Italy that include Florence, even "art" tours, do not make it to the magnificent Pitti Palace complex of museums and gardens on the Oltrano (the "other" side of the Arno). This is a 
shame, because in addition to the impressive and somewhat overwhelming collection of paintings in the Palatine Gallery crowded into grandly palatial rooms (as in this photo), there are several charming smaller museums, most notably the Museo degli Argenti, the "silver" or treasure museum.
Housed in the summer apartments of the Medici court, this small yet splendid Museo contains objets d'art once belonging to the Medici and Lorraine dynasty. Taking time to look at these wonderful works gives a rare insight into the aesthetic tastes of the 16th and 17th century princely courts.
But what's exhibited in the twenty-six rooms (all with period furnishings) of this lovely museum? Well, there are silver vessels and table ware, vases of carved ivory and rock crystal, a whole room 
full of objets made of amber, gems, exquisite cameos, Chinese and Japanese porcelain, enamels, jewelry, and curiosities. Teresa and I especially loved the fantastical Dr. Seuss-like carved ivory towers and fancies. We also cooed over a collection of little baroque animals made from pearls, gems and gold. And I was impressed with Lorenzo the Magnificent's collection of rare ancient Roman and medieval vases mounted on silver stands.
This museum is well worth seeing and makes a pleasant break for your eyes from the paintings and sculptures that are Florence's chief treasures. A ticket to this museum costs approximately $8.00 (US) and includes admission to the tiny Porcelain Museum (interesting if you like it) and the delightful Boboli Gardens. Of course, when you join us on An Artful Tour of Florence and Venice we'll have plenty of time to explore this often-missed treasure.
