A New Villa Bardini Show: ‘Florence ’50s, ’60s, ’70s’

Florence is hosting a historic visual retrospective at the Villa Bardini until October 18, 2026. “Firenze ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s” offers a rare look into three decades of the city’s history, from post-war recovery to the growing complexity of urban life in the 1970s. The exhibition features 150 curated images from the renowned Foto Locchi Archives.

The Photographer’s Eye

The Foto Locchi agency, founded in 1924 by war photographer Tullio Locchi, brings a unique blend of immediacy and lyrical composition. These photographs do not only document events — they preserve atmosphere, emotion, and memory.

The exhibition includes sporting icons such as rare images of Tazio Nuvolari in his Ferrari 166, soccer culture, social history including Don Milani’s experimental school for the children of farmworkers at Barbiana, the reconstruction of the city after World War II (1939–1945), and behind-the-scenes looks at the great fashion houses, which which transformed Florence into a global brand. 

The exhibition is curated by Giovanna Uzzani and promoted by Fondazione CR Firenze. It is organized chronologically, guiding the visitor through shifting emotions of a city that is constantly rebuilding, celebrating, and questioning itself.

The sections comprise:

1950s – Optimism & Glamour

The post World War era is one of rebirth, where Florence steps onto the global stage and reinvents itself through elegance and creativity. The Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti becomes a symbol of Made in Italy fashion.  This is the period when Giorgio La Pira was the city’s mayor, during which he was weaving a network of international relations.

One of the images, titled “Modella in posa in un servizio sui Lungarni,” (Fashion Shoot), captures a moment of elegant silence right before action. Fabric floats as if it a carrier of hope itself, and the city seems to hold its breath while rebuilding its identity through beauty.

In another photograph “Piazza Santa Trinita,“ Florence comes alive again. Between worn walls and bright, returning faces, the city breathes as if it is slowly remembering how to dream. Life is no longer just survival — it becomes presence, warmth and light.

1960s – Intensity & Drama

This decade is defined by extremes: sporting triumphs, social awakening, and devastating natural disaster. Florence becomes a stage of collective emotion, where joy and tragedy exist side by side. In the iconic image of the 1966 flood, the city is almost unrecognizable.

The city disappears beneath the water, but human presence remains—silent, fragile, and unbreakable. The photograph captures not only destruction, but endurance. It is a moment where Florence stops being architecture and becomes humanity.

In a powerful sports scene “Giancarlo Antognoni in azione nell‘ incontro Fiorentina-Ternana,“ the ACF Fiorentina soccer player fill the frame with energy.

A single photo captures a moment of  suspense—soccer becomes more than sport, it becomes identity. The stadium becomes a shared heartbeat, louder than language itself.

1970s – Reflection & Complexity

A shift toward a more urban and reflective reality. Florence is no longer only a symbol of beauty, but also a city negotiating modern complexity.

In the image “Don Milani con i ragazzi della comunità di Barbiana“  a mirror of Don Milani’s educational influence, the scene becomes quiet and intimate. Learning becomes resistance—silent, patient, and deeply human. It is not just education, but dignity formed in simplicity.

Visitor Information

“Firenze ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s”  is open every day from 9:30 am to 7 pm;  admission: €16, with further concessions available on the museum’s official website.

Free guided tours are available every Saturday and Sunday at 5 pm, a concession included in the ticket price. Reduced entry fees apply for “Cinema in Villa” attendees in July and August, and free entry is offered for “La Città dei Lettori” visitors from June 3 to 7, 2026. (H.D./additional reporting by M.H.)