Michelangelo purchased a group of three houses which he left in the hands of his nephew in 1534 with his plans for alterations when he moved to Rome. Thus, although the Master designed the Casa where his soul and spirit are omnipresent, he never lived there. The building was sold to the city of Florence in 1858 and became a Michelangelo Study Centre. It contains numerous drawings, plans and sculptures, patiently collected by the family and friends.