The top 6 events for the week of February 26–March 4, 2015. Download the full list of events in Florence: http://theflr.net/download
ph. Andrea Paoletti
EXHIBITION/Viva Van Gogh! Until April 12, Mon–Thurs 10am–7.30pm; Fri–Sat 10am–11pm; Sun 10am–9pm Chiesa Santo Stefano al Ponte, piazza di Santo Stefano 5, Florence Website Van Gogh Alive is the most vibrant show in Florence! See the Dutch master’s striking work like never before in this exciting multimedia exhibition. Over 3000 images of his paintings are being projected on the walls in high definition, but the show isn’t just visual—with surround sound in a unique space, it’s a full-on feast for the senses. The show aims to take visitors inside the creative universe of the artist in a way that standard exhibitions never have before. For more information, see the website. DANCE/Dancing days February 26–March 1, 3–8pm Thursday; 9am–8pm all other days Fortezza da Basso, Florence Website Danza in Fiera is back at the Fortezza! This four-day festival dedicated to the best of ballet—and beyond—will turn Tuscany into the ‘capital of dance’ for a weekend. Some of the brightest stars on the international stage will be performing, including Carla Fracci, Svetlana Zakharova and Federico Bonelli, a standout from London’s Royal Ballet. Many performances are included in the purchase of a general admission ticket, while some special events and workshops require registration. For more details on tickets and to view the full program, see the website. 
PHOTOGRAPHY/Photo finishFebruary 28, 7–9pmGallery Hotel Art, vicolo dell’Oro 5, FlorenceWebsiteStreet photography is taking off in Florence and this night will celebrate the growing phenomenon. Leica Store Firenze and Gallery Hotel Art are putting on a ‘birthday party’ for the group Street Photography Firenze in collaboration with The Florentine and Lungarno. The group, founded just one year ago, currently has 400 registered members and continues to grow. Renowned photojournalist Gianluca Panella, 2014 World Press Photo winner, will be speaking about his experiences. Email gilberto.benni@leica-camera.com to register. For more information, see the Facebook event above.
FOODIE/Pre-Taste parties March 3 & 4, 6–10pm Four Seasons Hotel lobby, borgo Pinti 99, Florence Website The tenth edition of Pitti Immagine Taste, the ultra-chic gastronomic event, will soon draw hordes of foodies to Stazione Leopolda. Amid the anticipation, the Four Seasons is putting on an exclusive pre-Taste party for two nights only. One of the first events of Fuori di Taste, the ‘event-within-an-event’ that will take place in venues all over town, ‘Puttin’ on the Four Seasons’ is more than just an aperitivo. The hotel lobby will become a full-blown ‘30s and ‘40s-style ballroom with tunes from the era. Mixologist Luca Angeli will serve cocktails. The aperitivo costs 15 euro. To book, call 055/2626450 or email ilpalagio@fourseasons.com.
CINEMA/Odeon Oscar Week!
Until March 1Odeon Cinehall, piazza Strozzi, FlorenceWebsiteFor film buffs, February means one thing: Oscar season! Though the 87th Academy Awards ceremony has come and gone, now you can catch up on some critically acclaimed cinema you may have missed. Oscar Week at the Odeon continues with Morlen Tyldum’s The Imitation Game andJames Marsh’s The Theory of Everything, which were both nominated for at least six different awards, including Best Picture. Eddie Redmayne took home the coveted Best Actor trophy for The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game won Best Adapted Screenplay. For showtimes, see the Odeon website.
#FIRENZECAPITALE/A peek at PoggiUntil June 6Archivio di Stato, viale della Giovine Italia 6 (piazza Beccaria)The words ‘Firenze Capitale’ seem to be on everyone’s lips as Florence marks 150 years since King Vittorio Emanuele II rode into the newly declared capital of Italy. Florentine Giuseppe Poggi was the principal architect behind much of modern Florence, giving the city a full-blown makeover and demolishing its medieval walls. Among the dozens of events taking place over the next few months, this exhibition (fittingly located near one of the squares he designed) focuses on his distinctive work, featuring documents, preliminary sketches and more that shed light on the Florence we see today.
