U.S. Consulate Bicentennial Show & Readings

Florence’s American Consulate General will be kicking off its 2019 bicentennial anniversary program with two events— an exhibition and poetry readings— during the second week of March.

The exhibition will open on March 14 at the Sala d’Arme in Palazzo Vecchio at 5 pm and will feature architect Gabriele Salimbeni’s drawings of Florence palaces and buildings that hosted the U.S Consulate up until 1947.  These include Palazzo Rosselli del Turco, via dei Serragli 17, and three other locations along Via Tornabuoni.

The first of three separate literary events entitled “Three American Voices – Three Generations” will focus on the work of American poet Anne Sexton (1928-1974) and will take place at Villa Arrivabene on Friday March 15 at 7 pm. The event, organized by the staff of the “Semicerchio” literary magazine, will feature a multimedia presentation and readings in English and Italian under the guidance of Rosaria Lo Russo, a poet who is Anne Sexton’s Italian translator.  The Villa Arrivabene, (Piazza Alberti 1/A), is an historic building which previously served as the residence of U.S. Ambassador George Perkins Marsh in late 19th century following the Italian unification.

The next readings will highlight early 20th century British writer and Florence resident Mina Loy (May) and contemporary U.S. poet Jorie Graham (September).  (kelsey lentz)