Our events listing keeps you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in culture, music and other English-friendly entertainment. This is a selection of the best events in Florence and Tuscany.
SCIENCE/Researchers’ Night
September 27, various universities in Tuscany
Three hundred European cities unite through research and invite you, whether you are 8 or 80, to discover your inner scientist! Visit laboratories that are usually closed to the public and observe experiments firsthand. In Tuscany, the night is called SHINE! 2013 (short for Scientists are Humans: Interactive Night of Entertainment) and is organized by the universities of Siena, Pisa and Florence, including the University of Florence’s satellite locations of Prato and Pistoia. See the programme (in Italian) at www.ricercatori.eu.
PARIS/Impressionists at Palazzo Pitti
Until January 5, 2014
Gallery of Modern Art, Palazzo Pitti
The Pitti Palace will exhibit 12 masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, including some of Degas’ ballerinas and paintings by Monet, Cézanne, Renoir and Pissarro. The exhibition of these works by nineteenth-century French Impressionists represents one half of an exchange between the two cities: several of the Pitti Palace’s Macchiaioli paintings went to Paris earlier this year. Find out more at www.polomuseale.firenze.it.
ORIENT/The Russian Avant-garde, Siberia and the East
September 27–January 19, 2014
Palazzo Strozzi, piazza Strozzi 1, Florence
Follow Russia’s ‘Barbarians’ and their search for new sources of artistic inspiration. This is the first international exhibition focusing on the importance of the Oriental and Eurasian connection to Russian Modernism, with works by Kandinsky, Malevich, Filonov and Goncharova. Visit www.palazzostrozzi.org for more information.
TRADITION/Bacco Artigiano Carro Matto
September 28, 8pm (subject to change)
Florence city centre
This Florentine post-harvest ceremony stars the carro matto (‘fool’s wagon’), a cart piled high with wine flasks pulled by white oxen through the city centre, surrounded by a medieval multitude of musicians, flag throwers and city officials. The procession sets off from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa before heading to piazza Duomo for a musical performance and the blessing of the wine. Start time is set for 8pm, but may change due to the World Cycling Championships. Check at www.comune.fi.it or call 055055 before heading out to join the parade.
CULTURE/European Heritage Day
September 28, state museums in Italy
This annual event celebrates the artistic, architectural and natural beauty of Italy. Entrance to state museums throughout the country will be free for the day. In Florence, the Uffizi, Accademia and the Museum of the Medici Chapels will be open late into the evening. For more information, including details on free tours and activities, see www.polomuseale.firenze.it.
OPERA/The Fairy Queen
September 29, 8.30pm
Teatro Goldoni, via Santa Maria 15, Florence
Henry Purcell’s magical adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream has captivated audiences since its debut in the seventeenth century. Theatre meets music in this delightful tale of fairies, love potions, drunken antics and fantastical dreaming. The performance at the historic Teatro Goldoni is the result of collaboration between several companies, including the Maggio Fiorentino Formazione and F.E.S.T.A. Find more information and buy tickets at http://tinyurl.com/FairyQueen.
ANTIQUES/Biennale dell’Antiquariato
October 5–13
Palazzo Corsini, lungarno Corsini, Florence
More than 70 internationally prestigious art and antique dealers will bring some of the world’s finest paintings, sculptures, furniture, books and rugs currently for sale to the beautiful Palazzo Corsini. Go along to snag a fabulous piece of artwork or simply to take a look at the great works on display. See www.mostraantiquariato.it for more.
WEB/Internet Festival
October 10–13, free
Various locations in Pisa
How will the Internet affect the future? Quality of life? Business? Education? Culture? These are some of the important questions that will be addressed during a series of conferences, training workshops, films, readings and dozens of other free events throughout Pisa. Find out more at www.internetfestival.it.
CONTEMPORARY/Pistoletto
Until January 7, 2014
Galleria Continua, via del Castello 11, San Gimignano
One of the most important proponents of Arte Povera, Michelangelo Pistoletto, is coming to San Gimignano hot on the success of his recent exhibition at the Louvre. The show at Galleria Continua includes many recent works and site-specific installations, including several based on mirrors, representing the world that contains man, society and outer space within it. Go to www.galleriacontinua.com for more.
CHARITY/Corri la vita
October 13, from 9.30am
Start in piazza del Duomo, Florence
Join the fight against breast cancer by racing or strolling through some of the most beautiful places in the centre of Florence together with thousands of other t-shirt clad supporters. Work up a sweat in the competitive race or take it slow on the passeggiata, which passes through the Boboli Gardens and other city landmarks. Last year more than 27,000 people took part, raising 370,000 euro. Help beat that figure this year: sign up at www.corrilavita.it.
Here are some other great events in Florence and Tuscany:
ART/Florence and Venice
October 5-December 21, free
Palazzo Ricasoli-Firidolfi, via Maggio 5, Florence
See some fabulous masterpieces from Florence and Venice for free, and learn about the influence Venice had on Florentine painting during the seventeenth century, and the rich elegance of Florentine works during the last days of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. The exhibit is entitled Fra La Natione Fiorentina e Veneziana; learn more at www.frascionearte.com.
ARTISANS/Women Supporting Women
October 10-11
R.F.K. Center for Justice and Human Rights, via Ghibellina 12a, Florence
Don’t miss this charitable event, run by the American International League of Florence, which will unite Italians and expats to raise money for Artemisia. The Women’s Centre, which combats domestic violence, will receive 10% of the profits made from the beautiful and imaginative artisan jewellery, shoes, home decorations and much more which will be on sale. There will also be an aperitivo from 6.30pm on October 10; tickets will be available at the door.
The World Cycling Championships are taking place in and around Florence until September 29, restricting travel throughout the city but offering top-class races. See www.toscana2013.it.