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.
WINE/Cantine Aperte
May 26
Wine cellars in Tuscany and Italy
Over 70 Tuscan wine cellars open their doors for tastings and visits, offering a great opportunity to discover places usually closed to the public and learn about wine making in some of the greatest vineyards in the world. See the list of participating wine cellars at www.movimentoturismovino.it
and turn to page 16 for more wine events in Tuscany.
CINEMA/Japanese Film Festival
Until May 25
Odeon Cinema, piazza Strozzi, Florence
Contemporary Japan comes to Florence with 20 documentaries, feature films, anime cartoons and more, many of which have English subtitles. There will also be a series of Japanese aperitivi at the Odeon and a workshop with Japanese print artist Tomiko Han at Palazzo Strozzi. See www.rassegnagiappone.com for more.
EXPAT/Florence,
A Dream to Save
May 27–December 7
Horne Museum, via dei Benci 6, Florence
The story of Herbert Percy Horne is told for the first time, shedding light on the cultural and artistic activities of this English scholar and collector (see TF 169). Through a video installation and other media, visitors can learn about the life of the man who was a focal point for Americans and Brits in Florence in the early 20th century. See www.museohorne.it for details.
ART/The Renaissance Dream
Until September 15
Palatine Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Florence
A chance to explore the theme of dreams in Renaissance artworks, including ideas of myths and nightmares, the spirit and symbols. The exhibit includes works by Raphael and Alessandro Allori, as well as a section focusing on Francesco de’ Medici’s fascination with dreams. Read more at www.unannoadarte.it.
PORTRAITS/Ladies for Human Rights
Until June 28
RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, via Ghibellina 12a, Florence
A series of eco-portraits, made with recycled materials, of twentieth-century women who have fought for human rights. Among the international icons depicted are Anne Frank, Annie Lennox, Audrey Hepburn, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, Rita Levi Montalcini and Lady Diana Spencer. See http://rfkennedyeurope.org for more information.
BID/Photo Auction
May 23–24
Museo Marino Marini, piazza San Pancrazio, Florence
A rare opportunity to purchase works of photographic art from some of the world’s greatest contemporary photographers through a silent auction held at the Marino Marini Museum, organized by the Fondazione Studio Marangoni. Those who can’t attend the auction can view the works at www.studiomarangoni.it and make a bid by calling 345/7206206 or 348/9791450.
PARK/Ruralia
May 25–26
Pratolino Medici Park, via Fiorentina 276, Vaglia
Leave the busy city and enjoy Tuscan country life during two days at the Pratolino park. A great chance for adults to buy fresh, local produce and for kids to pet animals and learn about nature in the laboratory, with microscopes, telescopes and more. See www.provincia.fi.it for more information.
PEDAL/Dynamo Bike Challenge
May 25–26
Start at 10am at the Velodrome, Cascine Park, Florence
Help raise money for Dynamo Camp, a recreational therapy camp in Tuscany for kids with serious and chronic illnesses, by racing through the Tuscan hills on two wheels. Participants can choose the route best suited to their abilities, and there is also a Junior Challenge for children. For details on the race and to sign up, visit www.dynamobikechallenge.org.
SHOW/Summer at the Bargello
Until September 22
Bargello Museum, via del Proconsolo 4, Florence
The courtyard of the beautiful Bargello Museum will be filled with musical, dance and theatre performances all summer. Highlights among the more than 70 events include pop and R&B singer songwriter Sarah Jane Morris on July 18 and the Florence Dance Festival (June 26–July 24). See http://tinyurl.com/bm4yfqg for the full programme.
VISIT/Toscana Esclusiva
May 26, 10am–1pm and 5–7pm, free
Various places in Tuscany
Discover hidden corners and take a breath of fresh air while visiting some of the dozens of gardens and courtyards that are open to the public in Florence and Tuscany, including those at Palazzo Corsini and Villa Schifanoia. Many will be holding concerts for the occasion. Find out more at www.adsi-toscana.it.
MUSEUM/Amico Museo
Until June 2
Various museums in Tuscany
Enjoy spring in the museum, with 354 events in 197 museums throughout Tuscany. Events include guided visits, classical music concerts, an exhibit of photo portraits of important Florentines at Casa Siviero, activities for Alzheimer sufferers and their carers at Palazzo Strozzi and the Marino Marini Museum, and the opening of over 50 Tuscan Case della Memoria, where noted personalities lived, on June 1 and 2. See the full calendar at www.regione.toscana.it/amicomuseo.
HEALTH/Toscana Fitness Festival
May 31–June 2
Acquasanta Thermal Park and Fucoli Park, Chianciano Terme (Siena)
Ready. Set. Dance. Get your work out on with Thai Fit, Iron Box, toning, hip hop, yoga, pilates, zumba, group cycling, step classes and more at this 3-day sports convention. See www.toscanafitnessfestival.it for more information.