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 blooms of Munich’s Old Botanical Garden fill the city air with a sweet aroma. At the edge of this green lung sits The Charles Hotel, whose recently refreshed rooms capture the garden’s essence. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, takes us through the finer details.
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
