In honour of the 500th anniversary of the birth of two of Florence’s key historical figures, Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Caterina de’ Medici, Queen of France, 22 cultural and historical institutions across the city will host a programme vaunting more than 50 exhibitions, conferences, concerts, lectures and guided visits throughout the year to commemorate the lives of the two Medici greats.
Caterina de’ Medici, Queen of France
Organised by the City of Florence and the 500 Cosimo e Caterina committee, in collaboration with MUS.E, the year-long celebration is already underway with talks and conferences at the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, the State Archives and Palazzo Vecchio. The Grand Duke will also be honoured with a series of exhibitions at the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello Museum and the Laurentian Library, among others, while the Queen of France will be commemorated with her own exhibitions and events, including those at the French Institute and Palazzo Medici Riccardi and by the Maggio Musicale Fiorentina, which will host a Baroque concert.
Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany
Born only a few months apart in 1519, Cosimo I and Caterina de’ Medici are household names on Florence’s dynastic map but their stories are linked by more than their lineage. Both in positions of power and culturally influential on the Italian and European scene, their heritage and histories make them Medicis to remember.
News and updates as well as the official programme can be found on the website https://www.500cosimocaterina.it/ and Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/500cosimocaterina/.
