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 of them.
ARTISAN/Artigianato e Palazzo
May 16–19
Corsini Gardens, via della Scala, 115, Florence
This annual celebration of top-quality handmade products features some of the best traditional artisans from all over Italy—and beyond, combining innovation with centuries-old techniques in the historic Corsini Gardens (see pages 18 and 19). This year’s edition includes pottery workers, tapestry restorers, crystal cutters, artisanal gelato makers, marble and alabaster sculptors, calligraphers, painters and more. Find more information at www.artigianatoepalazzo.it.
FLORENCE/From the Fleur de Lis to the David
Until December 8
Accademia Gallery, Florence
Explore nearby places that are largely unknown or ignored by tourists and Florentines alike—without ever leaving the museum—through a display of artworks originally commissioned to colourfully decorate the palaces of Florence. Covering a series of themes, ranging from civic heraldry and religion to the city of Florence, the exhibit includes works by Michelangelo and other prominent artists in Florence’s history. See www.unannoadarte.it for details.
STORY/The Amazing Shoemaker
Until March 31, 2014
Ferragamo Museum, piazza Santa Trinita, Florence
Journey back to your childhood through fairy tales about shoes and shoemakers. The exhibit sets loose the imagination and conjures dreams, presenting the story of Salvatore Ferragamo as well as short films and artworks inspired by fairy tales such as Cinderella and classics like Alice in Wonderland. Visit www.museoferragamo.it for more information.
OUT OF TOWN/International Mini Meeting
May 16–20
Autodromo del Mugello, Scarperia
A celebration of a famous icon of British style: the Mini. An international gathering for four days of fun that includes camping, live concerts, markets, film screenings, test drives, a mini Mini theme park, music, fashion and more. See www.imm2013.eu for details.
FREE/Night at the Museum
May 18, 7pm–1pm
Various museums in Florence
Many museums in Florence and Tuscany, including the Uffizi, Accademia, Palazzo Vecchio and the University science museums, will keep their doors open until 1am, with free entry for all. Find more information and the full list of museums at www.nottedeimusei.it.
EAT/Firenze Gelato Festival
May 17–26
Various piazzas in Florence
Explore the history, culture, tradition and future trends of gelato. This weeklong celebration of Italian ice cream throughout the centre of Florence includes gelato-making courses, new flavours, cooking classes and book presentations. Pick up a ‘gelato card’ and visit the stands in piazza Santa Maria Novella, piazza della Repubblica and piazza Strozzi to taste ice cream from the best makers in Italy and abroad. After Florence, the festival will tour Milan, Rome and Turin. See www.gelatofestival.it for details.
CONTEMPORARY/Department Store at Night
Until June 8
Museo Marino Marini, piazza San Pancrazio, Florence
Sculptures, prints, fabric, and literature tell of a strange nocturnal episode at the heart of a mystery that needs solving. The exhibit, by American artist Matthew Brannon, presents a new approach to images, texts and the relationship between them, and the show invites the audience to take an active role in the interpretation and construction of the work. Go to www.museomarinomarini.it to find out more.
CREATIVE/Florence Design Week
May 20–26
Various places in Florence
An international contemporary showcase, including exhibits, workshops, music, aperitivi and more, dedicated to the ever-changing and multifaceted world of design. Visit www.florencedesignweek.com for details.
PERFUME/I Profumi di Boboli
May 16–19
Boboli Gardens, piazza Pitti, Florence
Enjoy the scents of spring at this four-day event in the beautiful Boboli Gardens, featuring an array of products made with plants and herbs and using traditional techniques, including perfumes, soaps, cosmetics and accessories. Visit www.profumidiboboli.org for more information.
VINO/Wine Town Firenze
May 17–18
Various places in the centre of Florence
Try vintages from top international winemakers in piazzas and palazzos throughout the centre of Florence. Buy a wine card to get your glass and start tasting! There will also be live music performances at the venues, including solo piano, jazz sets and tango. See www.winetown.it for details.
FUND-RAISER/Concert for Haiti
May 21, 8:45pm
Teatro della Pergola, via della Pergola 18, Florence
A concert to raise money for a pediatric hospital that serves 80,000 children a year on earthquake-struck Haiti. The evening will include performances by two Italian greats, singer-songwriter Paola Turci and jazz musician Paolo Fresu. For information and reservations, visit www.nph-italia.org, or buy tickets at the event Artigianato e Palazzo (see above).
