Anna Maria de’Medici Commemorations 2023

 

A portrait of Anna Maria de’ Medici

Sat. 18: ANNA MARIA DE’MEDICI COMMEMORATIONS. 

February 18 is a day of historical significance and celebration in Florence, with events and  free museum openings planned in recognition of Anna Maria Luisa dè Medici (1667-1743) on  the anniversary of her death. This remarkable woman – who was the last Medici ruler in  Florence and a patron of the arts – willed her family’s significant cultural patrimony to the city.  This donation, called Il Patto di Famiglia (Family Pact), stipulated that the works could never leave Florence. Thanks to her generosity and her family’s historical patronage of artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci, Florence is home to some of the richest treasures from the Renaissance in the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace galleries.

Those interested in observing this day rich in Florentine history can participate in several different activities happening throughout the day. 

A procession of Florentines dressed in traditional 18th century costume will march at 10:45 am from Palagio di Parte Guelfa to the Medici Chapels to participate in a ceremony at her  grave. Afterwards, the historical site is open to visitors, free of charge. 

To further honor Anna Maria’s memory, the city is offering free museum openings all across  Florence. The destinations, all run by the city of Florence, are listed below: 

The Bargello National Museum of Renaissance Sculpture, via Ghibellina (8:15 am – 6:50 pm)

Medici Chapels, piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini (8:15 am – 6:50 pm).  The Medici Chapel and adjoining church of San Lorenzo are filled with Renaissance marvels  and artistic masterpieces. These range from the beautiful church itself to Michelangelo’s  statues of Day and Night and Dusk and Dawn that mark the tombs of the Duke of Nemours  and the Duke of Urbino. 

Palazzo Davanzati Renaissance Home Museum, via Porta Rossa (1:15 – 6:50 pm)

Casa Martelli Historic Home Museum, via Zannetti

Along with the free museums, the public will also be able to “meet” and “converse” with Anna Maria de’ Medici, thanks to an actress who will be portraying her in Palazzo Vecchio starting at 11 am.  In addition to the performance, there will be an introduction to this historical figure by Andrea Verga, in order for visitors to learn more about the impact she had on the city of Florence and appreciate her lasting legacy. (annikka  oelhafen & sofie refojo