Michelangelo's secret room was discovered in 1975 by Paolo Dal Poggetto, who at that time was director of the Medici Chapel Museum. During an inspection for restoration work, a series of sketches that referred to the works of Michelangelo were discovered under the plaster. According to Dal Poggetto, Michelangelo spent in that small 7 meter room for at least two months, to escape the reprisals of the Medici family, against whom the artist had sided years earlier. When the King of Spain Charles V decided to bring the Florentine family back to the ducal throne, between 1529 and 1530, Florence found itself besieged: in those terrible days, Michelangelo found refuge in a small room of the New Sacristy, in the basilica of San Lorenzo .

Opening hours (from 15/11/23 to 31/07/24):
Monday and Friday: ore 15:00 / 16:30 / 18:00
Wednesday and Saturday: ore 9:00 / 10:30 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:00 / 16:30 / 18:00
Thursday: ore 9:00 / 10:30 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:00
For visitors who have booked access to the secret room at 6.00 pm, it is recommended to visit the museum earlier.

Prices (Cappelle Medicee included)
Full ticket: € 33,00 (from 16/12/23 euro 32,00)
Reduce ticket: € 8,00 (from 16/12/23 euro 7,00)
Reservation fee: € 3,00

Please note: it is necessary to show an identity document at the entrance / minors under 10 years of age cannot enter / for safety and accessibility reasons, access is not possible for visitors with disabilities.