The Zeffirelli Foundation Feb. 12 Open Day

In honor of what would have been the 99th birthday of renowned Italian director and producer Franco Zeffirelli (1923-2019), the Zeffirelli Foundation is offering free admission to residents of the Florence metropolitan area on February 12 from 10 am to 6 pm (I.D. and Super Green Pass required for entrance).

Born in Florence, Zeffirelli attended the Accademia di Belle Arti at the Piazza San Marco and later the University of Florence. He left an impressive mark on the history of cinema and theatre.

At the Foundation, the Zeffirelli Collection houses more than 250 works by the artist, mostly sketches and drawings for sets and outfits, but also scale models, costumes and photographs. The display starts with a homage to people who had a great influence during the early stages of Zeffirelli’s career; his mentor and maestro Luchino Visconti, and opera singer Maria Callas. From there on, the exhibition develops around cinema and opera, showcasing his many achievements. His most famous works in movie world are Romeo & Juliet (1968), Hamlet (1990) and Tea with Mussolini (1999).

Exhibits pertinent to the operas that Zeffirelli worked on, highlight scenography, which include La Bohème and La Traviata (posthumously staged in the Verona Arena) and others, are displayed throughout the Collection. There are pictures of iconic moments at major theatres around the world, from the Teatro della Scala in Milan and the Vienna State Opera to the MET in New York City, and the Verona Arena.

At the heart of the Zeffirelli Collection is the Sala Inferno, dedicated to the director’s version of Dante’s Inferno, which has not been released. The room showcases sketches and storyboards with dialogue and notes that all connect to Zeffirelli’s interpretation of this section of the Divine Comedy.

While admission is free on Saturday, at 11 am, visitors can follow a tour throughout the museum at a cost of €12. There is also an audio guide available in Italian, English and French which can be used on a phone or tablet, available at the ticket booth.

For more information on the Zeffirelli Foundation or The Zeffirelli Collection visit:

https://www.fondazionefrancozeffirelli.com/en/ (ted de veer)