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Florence - the Brancacci Chapel - arrange an introduction to and a viewing of the famous frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino.
July, 2012. Booking for the Brancacci Chapel is currently unavailable due to some organisational changes in Florence. The venue may still be visited, there's just currently no way to pre-book tickets, sorry. We shall of course update here as soon as there's further news.
The Cappella Brancacci (Brancacci Chapel) is part of the church of Santa Maria del Carmine (designed by Brunelleschi), located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, south of the river and roughly 20 minutes on foot from the Pitti Palace.
The Brancacci Chapel is an amazing example of Renaissance art, and a key part of Florence's history. It was commissioned by Pietro Brancacci, a wealthy Florentine silk merchant; construction began in 1386, and in the 1420's Brancacci hired Masolino da Panicale to paint the Chapel. Masolino left for Hungary, and his young associate Masaccio was given the commission. Teacher became pupil when Masolino returned, with Masaccio outstripping his master in the series of frescoes of St. Peter and the theme of redemption.
Brancacci was latterly declared an enemy of the state; the faces of the Chapel's patrons were destroyed, with Filippino Lippi ultimately restoring the frescoes some fifty years later. Masaccio's works, including the agonising Expulsion from the Garden, have inspired the great artists of the Renaissance, Michelangelo included.
The Chapel is small and numbers are restricted; booking is mandatory and viewing time is, regrettably, limited to 15 minutes. Prior to the viewing there's a 40 minute film entitled The Eye of Masaccio which sets the scene for the wonders inside.
The tour is not suitable for those in wheelchairs, and is available every day (apart from Tuesday) at 60 minute intervals from 10.00AM to 03.45PM - the Chapel closes officially at 5.00PM. Note that the first tour on a Sunday is as 01.00PM, and that the Chapel is closed on December 25th, January 1st and May 1st.
Children under the age of 5 do not require tickets - everyone else requires a full ticket, there are no reduced prices. You will need to arrive at Santa Maria del Carmine at least 10 minutes before the tour is due to start.
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