In summer, Florence’s grand galleries, historical palazzos and elegant concert halls come alive with an enthralling season of events. If you’re heading to the alluring Tuscan city this summer, be inspired with these mesmerising exhibitions and shows.
1) The Florence Experiment at Palazzo Strozzi
Part biology experiment, part art exhibition, this compelling project is a joint venture between artist Carsten Höller and scientist Stefano Mancuso. Investigating the relationship between plants and humans, The Florence Experiment will transform Palazzo Strozzi’s beautiful Renaissance courtyard with two intertwining slides for visitors to glide down while holding a plant. After, the plant will be passed to a lab to measure its photosynthetic parameters.
The Florence Experiment, Palazzo Srozzi – 19 April – 26 August 2018
2) Maggio Musicale Fiorentino at Opera di Firenze
The annual Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is an illustrious music-filled affair and the pinnacle of Florence’s summer arts calendar. From life-affirming opera to cutting-edge dance, choose from a captivating programme of shows. See the Florence Philharmonic perform the stirring works of composer Gioachino Antonio Rossini and Adriano Guarnieri’s contemporary opera, Infinite Darkness of Light.
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, various locations - 5 May – 12 July 2018
3) Italy in Hollywood at Museo Ferragamo
Revisit legendary shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo’s golden years spent in California with this fashion-focused showcase. Like being on a 1920s film-set, the scenographic setup will explore Italian migration to Hollywood and the influence it had on film productions. Shoemaker to the stars, Ferragamo’s footwear was beloved by Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford and Rudolph Valentino.
Italy in Hollywood, Museo Ferragamo – 24 May 2018 – 10 March 2019
4) In Memory of Davide Astori. The talent of Elisabetta Sirani at The Uffizi
Celebrating 17th century Bolognese artist, Elisabetta Sirani, this Uffizi exhibition spotlights 33 of her works. A prolific and prodigious painter, this is an unmissable opportunity to see her Baroque paintings, once owned by noblemen and royalty. Elisabetta died suddenly at 27, and this show is dedicated to Davide Astori, captain of ACF Fiorentina who recently died suddenly at 31.
In Memory of Davide Astori. The talent of Elisabetta Sirani, The Uffizi – 6 March – 10 June 2018
Photo credit:
Palazzo Strozzi
The Uffizi
The Grand Tour has had its day, in the most fortunate way. What was once a rite of years is now within reach of anyone with the curiosity to make it. The prescribed list of sights has loosened too, leaving the traveller free to follow Goethe's original instinct, to stand where the present is being made as well as where the past is preserved. Today, our journey through Milan, Florence and Rome begins, as it always did, in the north…
In the 17th century, Artemisia Gentileschi emerged as one of the most compelling painters of her time. Her unflinching clarity and business acumen allowed her to flourish in a world dominated by men. In her hands, familiar subjects were transformed: heroines once cast as victims emerged instead as warriors. Her work gave voice to women too often silenced, not only on the canvas but in life.
Much like the island, the resort’s Rocco Forte Private Villas encourage a slower, more considered way of living. Designed by Olga Polizzi, each villa is thoughtfully arranged to bring loved ones together, while still allowing space for solitude
