The Vasari Corridor, which has been closed since 2016, has just had renovation plans approved and will reopen in 2021. The Vasari Corridor has been traditionally home to one of the largest collections of self-portraits by famous artists from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, it was designed to link Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace. It begins in the Uffizi [...]
As 2019 ushers in the 200-year anniversary of the United States Consulate General in Florence, one can look forward to a myriad of events throughout the year celebrating both Italian and American culture and, even more, their role together. The logo for the year, “Insieme 200” (Together 200) featuring an image that meld two domes—that of the U.S. Capitol and Florence’s cathedral—was designed by American artist Nina Peci, who lives in Florence. The [...]
The second weekend in February is full of opportunities to increase one’s knowledge of the multifaceted wine world and to discover the Tuscan ‘king of vines’: the Sangiovese grape. Designed for the public to sample and judge Tuscan wines just before they are placed on the market, events to experience Sangiovese in your glass include Chianti Lovers Anteprime 2019 Preview (which incorporates the presence of Morellino di Scansano producers) in Florence. The fifth [...]
Black History Month Florence unveils a vibrant African and African-American contribution—both historic and cultural—to the city of the Renaissance. Kicking off at the end of January, and running until March 3, 2019, the fourth edition offers an opportunity to increase knowledge and explore themes regarding race and identity in Florence. There are events both in English and Italian in an effort to facilitate conversations across language barriers. The program aims not only to [...]
With the history of fashion both exhibited and being built upon by the designers of tomorrow, this is an inspirational week at the Fortezza for both members of the industry and the general public to experience. It’s time to get ready to shop, because the 33rd edition of the Vintage Selection is making its grand return to the city of Florence. Though only open to buyers and press, the Pitti Filati will display [...]
January 17-19: PITTI BIMBO 88. Fortezza da Basso and other venues, Florence The only thing better than a birthday party is a double birthday celebration. The Pitti Immagine Bimbo kid’s fashion fair will celebrate the anniversary debut of two children’s icons: Barbie and Hello Kitty. Pitti Bimbo is an international semi-annual salon for children’s clothing and, together with Pitti Filati fabrics and yarns (January 23 – 25), it is a stage for the [...]
After years of fast fashion, targeted to follow the trends in the quickest and cheapest way possible, the industry’s standards are rising. Eco fashion is gaining growing attention worldwide, as shown by Because there is no Planet B, the eco-friendly mission of Ecoalf, a pioneer in the world of sustainable fashion; at the Pitti Uomo men’s trade show (January 8 – 11), the company will be presenting a made in Italy genderless capsule [...]
SPECIAL EVENT The prior of San Miniato al Monte, Padre Bernardo, will personally conduct a tour of the 1000-year-old church and abbey to explain its symbolism and theological significance beginning at 3:30 pm. The meeting point is in front of the church. TRADITIONS Some Florentines will literally ‘make a splash’ to begin 2019. Members of the Florentine Rowing Club, the Societa’ Canottieri Firenze, have for more than 125 years initiated the New Year [...]
With this year coming to a close, plans to ring in 2019 with joy and festivities are being finalized throughout Florence. Classical and rock music, comedy shows, medieval spectaculars, gourmet and traditional dining and, of course, the midnight brindisi, or toast of bubbly for the new year. Florentines begin the celebrations with a cenone or sumptuous dinner usually with four, five or even seven courses. Many restaurants serve special menus; your table is [...]
CHRISTMAS EVE For art lovers December 24 affords several excellent museum-visiting opportunities: the Bargello National Sculpture Museum, the Davanzati Renaissance Home Museum, the Uffizi and Accademia galleries are all open from 8:15 am – 1:50 pm as well as the Archeological Museum, while the Boboli and Bardini gardens are accessible from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. Palazzo Vecchio will welcome guests from 9 am – 7 pm to see the grandeur and opulence [...]