NEVER SEEN BEFORE/ Russian Icons at the UffiziUntil February 1, 10am–5pm
Reali Poste Room–Uffizi Gallery, piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence
Precious artworks usually kept in storage take center stage in the Uffizi’s annual ‘Never Seen Before’ exhibition. In this edition, the spotlight shines on 81 Russian icons, mostly dating from the first half of the eighteenth century and all belonging to the oldest collection of Russian sacred images outside the Orthodox world. Shrouded in intrigue, this set arrived in Florence during the Lorraine period, but scholars have been unable to trace its path to Tuscany, though one of the icons suggests a strange link to a church in Livorno. Visit www.polomuseale.firenze.it for more details.
SPEED/ Mugello GP Run
January 25, 11am; go-kart registration from 8–9:15am
Mugello Circuit, Senni-San Carlo 15, Scarperia
Run like the wind on the same track where Ferrari runs racing tests! The third edition of the Mugello GP Run is taking place on the 5,245-kilometer-long Mugello Circuit, the same place where an annual Grand Prix motorcycle race is held. Feel the need for speed? Take part in the competitive two-lap race. Jogging in the one-lap fun run is another option for anyone aged 12 and over, but don’t miss the registration deadline of January 19. Kids under 15 can take part in some non-competitive go-kart fun. Visit www.mugellogprun.it to register for the races and for more details.
SILVER STYLE/Vintage Selection
January 28–February 1, 10am–9pm
Stazione Leopolda, viale Fratelli Rosselli 5, Florence
Everyone from the Pitti glitterati to curious collectors is expected to flock to this year’s special ‘silver’ Vintage Selection. Equal parts marketplace, showcase and celebration, this is the 25th edition of the vintage fashion-focused event. To mark the occasion, the entire venue will be decked out in silver décor. Beyond sifting through the eclectic clothes and accessories on display and for sale, vintage fiends and other visitors can enjoy workshops with fashion experts, aperitivos, live music and plenty of chic people-watching. For more information, head to www.vintageselection.it.
SKATE/ International Skate Awards
January 24 from 9pm; January 25 from 4pm
Nelson Mandela Forum, viale P. Paoli, Florence
Get ready to watch some of the most impressive stars of the international rinks. Skating’s biggest daredevils will show off their best moves and techniques. Beginning skaters will be inspired by the adventurous stunts, an art form rarely seen in the Renaissance city. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.mandelaforum.it.
PERFORMANCE ART/ CHERYL
January 15, 7–11pm
Strozzina Centre for Contemporary Culture, piazza Strozzi, Florence
Art collective CHERYL comes deep from the New York underground scene, bringing the surreal to the Strozzina. Through live performances, videos, installations and more, CHERYL provides provocative commentary on art, contemporary society and institutions. A retrospective of some of the genre-bending group’s most talked-about work, the event will encourage visitors to rethink their standard conceptions of museums and exhibition spaces. The noted group has been part of past events at venues ranging from New York’s Museum of Modern Art to the Galeria Zé dos Bois in Lisbon. For more information, call 055/264155 or email info@palazzostrozzi.org.
FASHION/ Pitti Immagine Uomo
January 13–16
Fortezza da Basso, Florence
One of the most globally respected events for launching new trends in men’s fashion, the winter edition of Pitti Immagine is back and better than ever. Though the runway shows will be closed to the public, with coveted spots going to buyers and journalists, be on the lookout around town for major faces in men’s fashion and some prime photo opportunities with street-style stars. You can also take part in some VIP fun at a public workshop organised by the Istituto Europeo di Design, organized by Bisbag, Centro Studi Poltronova and Archivio Store. For more information on the workshop, head to theflr.net/pittiuomo.
