Prato, a glimpse into history

A first space, where the lift can also be found, is dedicated to the Prato of antiquity, focusing on the archaeological excavations of Gonfienti and the display of artefacts from the Palaeolithic to the Roman age. In subsequent areas, this is followed by artistic testimonies of the city from the 15th to the 19th century, concluding with a showcase recalling the Risorgimento Museum, housed in this same building from the early 20th century until after World War II.

Among the objects in the collection, a few are of particular significance to the history of the city. The wooden Coat of Arms with the emblems of the Republic and the Florentine people, Prato and its districts; the beautiful Shield by Zanobi Poggini with the coats of arms of the major city welfare institutions; the Gonfalonier's Mace, wielded by the Mace Bearer of the Prato Community during public ceremonies, adorned with the coats of arms of the Municipality of Prato and the Medici family. The privilege of becoming a city, granted to Prato in 1653 by Grand Duke Ferdinando II de' Medici, is recalled by the Vision of Saint Philip Neri painted by Orazio Fidani, in which a spectacular procession documents the arrival of the first bishop in the city. In comparison is the View of Piazza Duomo, also from the 17th century, attributable to an author close to Stradano. A cap and gown of the Gonfalonier are also on display, testifying to the symbolic value attributed to these garments to be worn at official ceremonies.
Noteworthy is the Apothecary of the Hospital Spedale Misericordia e Dolce, with its beautiful drug jars made in the second half of the 18th century by the Manifattura Ginori of Doccia. The wooden door of the old Monte di Pietà (Mount of Piety), dating from the second half of the 16th century, is also valuable, with subsequent remakes and additions.