I have returned from Florence where I visited the extraordinary Stibbert museum!
Unfortunately no photos allowed. But here are some observations:
The collection is in what appears to be a mansion designed to house the collection, though I think Mr Stibbert lived there once too.
They dont let you wander around. There are hourly "tours" in which a guide takes a group from room to room. You dont have to listen in though and anyway I couldnt because its in Italian, they just dont leave people alone.
The museum is like an alternate reality, with stately rooms, oil paintings, fantastic floors and of course rows and rows of armour and weapons. There must have been thousands of pieces.
The Islamic and Eastern armour collections are brilliant. There is one room in particular filled with fearsome looking bearded chaps wearing mainly Indo-Persian armour and weapons. They look like they are marching off to war somewhere, resolute and committed. Straight out of a time warp its quite an inspiring vision.
And there is the famous cavalcade room which has about 14 (I forgot to count) mounted knights - Turks at the back and Europeans at the front.
Everywhere there is dust and very little labelling. Sometimes weapons are virtually piled together. At first I found this odd in comparison to the highly organized Wallace Collection, but then I came to really appreciate this unique approach to the museum. It felt like the mansion has been sealed up for 100 years and you are the first one in there. The atmosphere is really amazing and surprising and very different.
There are some truly exceptional pieces if you poke around. Like Ottoman tombak helmets and chamfrons. There are many surprises. Under benches can be found lurking Egyptian mummies. Even the odd legionary helmet makes an appearance.
I thought Mr Stibbert was going to pop out anytime dressed in his custom 13th century chivalric armour with a glass of chianti in his hand. If he did I would shake his hand and thank him for leaving behind this wonderful collection.
I give it 10 our of 10. Highly recommended for the depth and quality of the collection, friendly staff and unique atmosphere.
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