In summer, Florence’s grand galleries, historical palazzos and elegant concert halls come alive with an enthralling season of events. If you’re heading to the alluring Tuscan city this summer, be inspired with these mesmerising exhibitions and shows.
1) The Florence Experiment at Palazzo Strozzi
Part biology experiment, part art exhibition, this compelling project is a joint venture between artist Carsten Höller and scientist Stefano Mancuso. Investigating the relationship between plants and humans, The Florence Experiment will transform Palazzo Strozzi’s beautiful Renaissance courtyard with two intertwining slides for visitors to glide down while holding a plant. After, the plant will be passed to a lab to measure its photosynthetic parameters.
The Florence Experiment, Palazzo Srozzi – 19 April – 26 August 2018
2) Maggio Musicale Fiorentino at Opera di Firenze
The annual Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is an illustrious music-filled affair and the pinnacle of Florence’s summer arts calendar. From life-affirming opera to cutting-edge dance, choose from a captivating programme of shows. See the Florence Philharmonic perform the stirring works of composer Gioachino Antonio Rossini and Adriano Guarnieri’s contemporary opera, Infinite Darkness of Light.
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, various locations - 5 May – 12 July 2018
3) Italy in Hollywood at Museo Ferragamo
Revisit legendary shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo’s golden years spent in California with this fashion-focused showcase. Like being on a 1920s film-set, the scenographic setup will explore Italian migration to Hollywood and the influence it had on film productions. Shoemaker to the stars, Ferragamo’s footwear was beloved by Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford and Rudolph Valentino.
Italy in Hollywood, Museo Ferragamo – 24 May 2018 – 10 March 2019
4) In Memory of Davide Astori. The talent of Elisabetta Sirani at The Uffizi
Celebrating 17th century Bolognese artist, Elisabetta Sirani, this Uffizi exhibition spotlights 33 of her works. A prolific and prodigious painter, this is an unmissable opportunity to see her Baroque paintings, once owned by noblemen and royalty. Elisabetta died suddenly at 27, and this show is dedicated to Davide Astori, captain of ACF Fiorentina who recently died suddenly at 31.
In Memory of Davide Astori. The talent of Elisabetta Sirani, The Uffizi – 6 March – 10 June 2018
Photo credit:
Palazzo Strozzi
The Uffizi
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
In 1925, a world still shell-shocked from the ravages of World War I found renewal in a burgeoning artistic movement: Art Deco. It reflected motion, progress, the future. Immediately embraced by famed Belgian architect Victor Horta, he laid the foundations for Art Deco in Brussels with his plans for the Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). This marked the inception of a radically modern approach to architecture and art in the city. Now, as Brussels marks a century of Art Deco style, it’s the perfect time to explore this distinctly walkable city with your own budding artists.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
