David is about to gain a few more friends. Just in time for Michelangelo’s birthday on March 6, the Accademia Gallery has introduced its newest initiative, Friends of David, the museum’s own membership card.
To boost local loyalty, the new card is intended for Florentines, resident foreigners or frequent visitors to the city and, most importantly, the young, with a lower price for all those under 28 years old.
Membership cards are widespread in the international museum community, and it is precisely these ranks that museum director Cecilie Hollberg aims to join. Speaking to local newspaper Corriere Fiorentino, Hollberg explained, “I’d like for someone to say, ‘I have a friend visiting the city on Saturday, I’ll bring them to my Accademia.’”
President of the new association Fausto Calderai said that the aim was “for all those living in and visiting the city regularly to take possession once more of the museum, no longer seeing it as an unattainable place.”
Friends of David will launch on March 6, with a guided visit and a toast in honour of Michelangelo. Cardholders can enjoy numerous benefits, including free priority entrance into the museum, discounts at the bookstore, invitations to special events and access for up to four guests on the cardholder’s birthday. For information on how to sign up, email info@friendsofdavid.org.
Not read the “David book” by The Florentine Press?
Get your Kindle copy of From Marble to Flesh: The Biography of Michelangelo’s David today. Consider it a birthday present to Michelangelo – his birthday is on March 6!
