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 .
SHOP/Vogue Fashion’s Night Out
September 12, 7.30–11.30pm
Throughout the historic centre of Florence
Shop till you drop! Put on your glad rags and join in as Florence celebrates fashion. 300 shops in 44 streets in Florence will stay open all evening, with a host of special events such as cocktail parties and DJ sets, many of which will be open to the public. Some of the stores will also be selling exclusive products for the night. Find out more at http://vfno2013.vogue.it
FARM/Expo Rurale
September 12–15
Fortezza da Basso, Florence
The countryside is coming to Florence! Go horse riding or orienteering, discover how to make pasta and soap, learn how to hunt for truffles, prune roses and climb trees, discover campaigns to protect the countryside and taste a range of locally produced food and wine. For all ages; see www.exporurale.it for more.
PRATO/From Donatello to Lippi
September 14–January 13, 2014
Museo di Palazzo Pretorio, Prato
In the fifteenth century, many of the greatest Italian artists congregated in Prato, including Filippo Lippi, Donatello and Paolo Uccello. Their works, now housed in museums around the world, have been brought back to the city. These include the Fra Diamante altarpiece, now housed in Budapest, which was originally made for the San Lorenzo oratory, and Zanobi Strozzi’s Assumption, painted for the Duomo but now in Dublin. See www.studioesseci.net for more.
CIRCUS/Cirk Fantastik!
September 19–29
Parco dell’Anconella, via Villamagna, Florence
Stretch the limits of your imagination during this series of shows combining theatre, circus acts, acrobatics, comedy, dance and music. The acts from an assortment of different Italian and international companies range from beautiful to hilarious, bizarre to thought-provoking, and include many events for children. More info at http://cirkfantastik.blogspot.it.
PHOTO/Il Poeta della Fotografia
Until January 6, 2014
MNAF, piazza S. M. Novella 14r, Florence
Izis Bidermanas was one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century and his work displays a poetic realism and humanity. The Lithuanian photographer made France his home and his shots depict circus and street life in Paris, plus corners of London and Israel. This exhibit displays 120 photographs, which have been preserved by his son. Visit www.mnaf.it for more information.
BIKE/UCI Road World Championships
September 22–29
Various places in Florence and Tuscany
Florence is set to become biking central during the World Cycling Championships, the biggest sporting event in the history of the city. Athletes from 54 countries will participate in races around Florence and Tuscany, drawing millions of spectators and closing large parts of the city to traffic. For info on where to watch and possible disruptions, see the article on page 14 or go to www.toscana2013.it
SPEAK/Language Day
September 25 and 26
The British Institute, Deutsches Institut, Institut Français and the Centro de Lengua Español
Challenge yourself and win free classes. On September 25, 6–9pm, these four language centres are offering refreshments and holding a quiz based on their languages and cultures, with free language lessons up for grabs for the winners. The institutes will also be holding a series of activities and visits the following day. See www.britishinstitute.it
for more info.
DISCOVER/TF’s Walks and Visits
September 21, October 4 and 5
Various places in Florence
The autumn series of The Florentine’s guided visits kicks off on September 21 with a hidden gem: Casa Buonarroti. Led by TF editor-at-large and licensed tour guide Alexandra Lawrence, discover some of Michelangelo’s earliest works as well as the exhibit La Bellezza e la Memoria. Take an unforgettable tour along the Vasari Corridor on October 4. Then, on October 5, Alexandra will open your eyes to the many curiosities of Florence. See new details and hear unique stories on this walk from Santa Croce to piazza Duomo—you will never look at Florence in the same way again! For more information on these and other upcoming tours see http://tinyurl.com/FallWalks. To make a reservation (obligatory), e-mail Alexandra Lawrence at a.lawrence@theflorentine.net or call 333/8689458.
CINEMA/Bicycle Film Festival
September 26–29
Stazione Leopolda, viale Fratelli Rosselli 5, Florence
A paradise for cycling fans, this festival will feature over 60 films on bicycle stories and events from around the world as well as BMX contests, bike polo matches, circus acts, concerts, food and parties. Turn to page 17 for more information or visit www.bicyclefilmfestival.com for the full schedule.
EXHIBIT/The Renaissance from Florence to Paris
Until December 31
Villa Bardini, Florence
Florentine treasures have come home! The Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris holds the largest collection of Florentine Renaissance art in France, apart from the Louvre. Bought from a Florentine antiquarian in the 19th century, around 40 of these fabulous masterpieces, from greats such as Botticelli, Mantegna and Donatello, are back in their city of birth. Go to www.bardinipeyron.it for details.
