Ente Cassa’s Private Art Collection on Public Display

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A work by Giotto in the collection

The Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, a Florence foundation located at Via Bufalini 6, has opened its impressive and varied art collection to the public, for the first time and for free! The paintings and sculptures on display at range from the 13th to the 20th centuries and are displayed in various rooms used by the bank, such as the President’s office, meeting rooms and corridors, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the works up close.

Some highlights of the Italian Medieval and Renaissance artworks on display are an early Madonna and Child by Rinaldo da Siena, two small panels by Giotto, a large and exquisite “tondo” by Filippino Lippi depicting the Madonna and Child with angels, set against a fantastical landscape backdrop, a detached Perugino fresco, and a moving Pietà by Andrea della Robbia.

One of the most interesting parts of the collection are the many paintings and drawings depicting Florence and dating from the eighteenth to the twentieth century. The views are often painted from surprising angles and of forgotten corners, and offer a fascinating look at the city over the centuries. One room is dedicated to the 124 small paintings by Fabio Borbottoni, which faithfully show how the center of Florence looked in the mid 1900s, before the urban renewal when Florence became Italy’s capital vastly transformed much of the city center.

Later art is not neglected in the collection either, with many fine examples of Tuscan Impressionist Macchiaoli and Post Macchiaoli works, as well as pieces by Primo Conti, Lorenzo Viani, Felice Casorati and Giovanni Colacicchi. Long-time residents of Florence may remember this last work in its original setting, the bar at the Cinema Gambrinus, now the Hard Rock Caffè.

The building itself is also very interesting. Originally a Renaissance Palazzo belonging to the Pucci family, it was enlarged by two wings designed by famed 20th century Florentine architect Giovanni Michelucci which cleverly mesh with the earlier building and frame a large, green central courtyard.

Since the bankers occupy the rooms during business hours, the art collection is open for viewing through January 2017, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.  Individuals will be placed in a group tour (max 20 people to a group). Set tour hours Saturday, at 10 and 11 a.m. and 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Sundays and holidays (Nov. 1, Dec. 8 and 26, Jan. 6) at 10 and 11 a.m. and 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Special private tours and tours in English available on request. Reservations for all tours required. Telephone number for reservations: +39-055-538-4001.

Visitors will receive a discount on the show at Palazzo Strozzi Ai Weiwei Libero. (elizabeth wicks)