Giunti Odeon: A New Space, a New Story

The 100-year-old Odeon Cinema embarks on a new path a century after its original opening. The Giunti publishing house now collaborates with  the Germani family, who had managed the cinema since 1936, including negotiations with the city council with a project to reimagine the movie theater into a cultural center. After months of planning involving the city administration and Giunti the doors opened on November 4, 2023, and the newly developed space was [...]

DelBrenna Jewelers Opens in Florence

In the heart of Florence, just behind Piazza Strozzi, a new location for the DelBrenna jewelry boutique has opened at Borgo Santi Apostoli 45/r. With family roots traced back to the 13th century, and shops and a showroom long established in the Tuscan city of Cortona, Sebastian and Megan DelBrenna have set out to redefine elegance and craftsmanship in the city of Renaissance. From its inception, DelBrenna set out to be not only [...]

Starbucks & Badiani Open in the City Center

This July, Florence welcomes its second Starbucks on via dei Cerretani and the lines have been stretched out the door and beyond. When you step inside the establishment, the cool air provides relief from the oppressive summer heat, while the pastel pink walls with gold and green accents complement that of the famous Cathedral just steps away.  Once inside, pandemonium ensues, with shouts of coffee orders and a combination of questions and compliments [...]

Creativity & Fashion for Kids at Pitti Bimbo 97

  Pitti Immagine and its theme, “Pitti Games,” is best characterized by playfulness and creativity at the Pitti Bimbo children’s fashion trade fair, taking place at the Fortezza da Basso from June 21 – 23.  Unveiling styles for spring/summer 2024, Pitti Bimbo 97, open only to buyers and the press, the event draws in children’s play with a carefree quality. Inspired by jumping into challenges, forming alliances, and embracing the spirit of exploration, [...]

Storytime in English at Labsitters House

Bring your kids along for a few hours of learning and fun cultural exchange on May 13: storytelling and activities, aimed at children aged 4 to 10, will be taking place at Labsitters House. Hosted by Bee-Bilingual, a community of mothers in Florence raising bilingual kids, their goal is to encourage youngsters to learn and cultivate a second language. The group will be reading ‘The Bear Who Would Not Share,’ written by Graham [...]

Ditta Artigianale Opens in Pzz. Ferrucci

  A brand new Ditta Artigianale opened its doors in Piazza Ferrucci on March 30, the Florentine coffee chain’s fifth location in 10 years of business. Despite its location — slightly off the beaten path for the average tourist — the café has already been attracting customers due to its distinctiveness and cultivated charm. Plenty of seating, an outdoor bar shaded by colorful umbrellas, flora, and greenery, and an adjacent bakery and newsstand, [...]

Easter Monday Treasure Hunt at the Bardini Garden

The Bardini garden will be hosting a treasure hunt for all ages on Monday, April 10. This treasure hunt, primarily designed for families with children ages 4 – 10, will encourage and allow guests to to roam and discover the grounds of the beautiful Bardini garden. Not only will there be a treasure hunt, but book readings will be held throughout the green space. The park features orchards, rose bushes, irises, hydrangeas and [...]

The Return of the Florence Children’s Carnival

  Sat. 18: CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL. Piazza Ognissanti. 2 – 6 pm. Free admission. Children and parents alike, in costumes or masks, can spend a carefree afternoon enjoying entertainment and games. Fun activities, such as papier-mâché crafts, games, and face painting will be provided throughout the carnival. Sweets like cotton candy, peanut brittle, and brigidini (aniseed-flavored wafers), will be available for purchase. An electric train will take passengers on a scenic tour of Lungarno Vespucci. Families can listen [...]

La Befana Returns to Florence in 2023

Much like Santa, the elderly Italian witch, La Befana, who fills the stockings of children on the night of January 5, has the power of appearing simultaneously in different places.  This is true in Florence on Epiphany, January 6, which is the feast both of the Three Kings and La Befana. She will continue her generosity to children all day in the city of the Renaissance. Here are her scheduled appearances: IN TOWN [...]

Florence Family Holiday Events in English 2022

  There are two Christmas activities this week planned for the whole family. All ages can get into the holiday spirit by joining the festive fun! Thursday, Dec. 15: CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP.   St. Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16.  8 pm.  Open to all ages, participants only need to bring a wire coat hanger; fir branches and decorations will be supplied, which, along with refreshments, are included in the €10 fee.  Reservations [...]