The Stibbert Museum in Florence is a Villa converted into Museum in the early 20’s it takes the name from Sir. Frederick Stibbert a wealthy Florence born & resident English. His father was infact British and his mother Italian while he received education in England. The Stibbert family’s extreme wealth came from Frederick’s grandfather, Giles Stibbert, who was the commander in chief for the British East India Company in Bengal at the end of the 18th century and ruled as Governor for many years.
The street that leads to it is very steep so be ready for a bit of hike up, inside you’ll find 57 rooms that exhibit all of his collections from around the world. Paintings are displayed throughout every room, including still lifes and portraits. There is also valuable furniture, porcelains, Tuscan crucifixes, Etruscan artifacts, and an outfit worn by Napoleon I of France.
The most extensive collection is around 12,000 pieces of European, Oriental, Islamic, Japanese arms and Armour from the 15th century through the 19th century. The cavalcade room is a grand hall filled with 14 16th century knights on horseback and 14 foot-soldiers dressed in Armour and holding weapons. The collection of Samurai Armour contains over 80 suits and hundreds of swords.
The museum contains a cafe and a bookstore, it’s great for a morning different museum visit.