A Striking of the ‘Gong’ Opens Belvedere Show

The public can view an innovative juxtaposition of modern art in the 16th century venue overlooking Florence that was also the wedding site for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West in 2014. On June 2, Mayor Dario Nardella struck a gong to officially inaugurate the new exhibition at the Forte di Belvedere.

Through October 14, the Medicean fortress, open exclusively in the summer, is the site of the GONG exhibition featuring works by Eliseo Mattiacci. The show consists of 20 sculptures and a collection of nearly 60 never-before-seen drawings inspired by the cosmos.

Displayed around the fortress and within the villa, the works are a thought-provoking exploration of the relationships between art and nature, and man and the environment. Considered one of Italy’s greatest modern sculptors, Mattiacci was a key protagonist in the Italian avant-garde movement in the 60’s, representing Italy twice at the Venice Biennale.

The artist has exhibited widely at museums and foundations around the world, including the Fondazione Prada in Milan, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles. General admission is €3. Reduced tickets for ages 18-25 are available for €2, access is free for children and teenagers.