Notte Bianca
April 30
All over Florence
More info
Florence’s Notte Bianca is back! Make sure you’re out and about for ‘White Night’–the annual event sees shops, museums, restaurants, bars and more extending their opening times well into the wee hours. On May 1, the city will hit the ‘snooze’ button for Labor Day. White Night highlights this year include extended hours at the Bargello, Santa Maria Novella, the Medici Chapels Museum, and Palazzo Strozzi (all open until midnight). See more of our picks for the lively night via the link above.
Festival d’Europa
May 6–10
Various venues in Florence
More info
What does the future hold for Florence—and for the whole of the European Union? This is a central theme of the Festival d’Europa, a major event prompting reflection on the Europe of tomorrow. The official kickoff, ‘Nice to Meet EU,’ will take place on May 6 at 5.30 in piazza Santa Maria Novella. The festival will then touch down in dozens of locations, with a packed program of concerts, lectures, exhibitions, film screenings and more. Many English-friendly events will take place at the festival-within-a-festival Notte Blu, headquartered at the Le Murate complex, but extending to the whole Sant’Ambrogio area, the RFK Center, the British Institute, La Cité Libreria-Café and more. For the full program of events, visit the website.
Human
Until September 27
Forte di Belvedere, via di San Leonardo 1, Florence
More info
British sculptor Antony Gormley’s exhibition ‘Human’ explores the connections between art, anatomy and space. Winner of the 1994 Turner Prize and knighted in 2014, Gormley chose Forte di Belvedere for its powerful past and defensive functions. The show features life-size sculptures widely and purposefully dispersed throughout the site, ‘encouraging the viewer to think again about who they are and how they negotiate the spaces around them’—as Gormley intended. For more information, call 055/2768558 or see the link above.
Floral Florence!
Until May 20
Le Mulina, viale del Pegaso, and Iris Garden, Florence
More info
Spring has sprung and Florence has the flowers to prove it! Until May 11, international floriculture showcase FloraFirenze is in bloom at former racetrack Le Mulina (take bus 17C from Santa Maria Novella station). For the full program, see the website. Until May 20, visit the iris garden (access it at the eastern end of piazzale Michelangelo). Guided visits in English are available; call 055/483112 and leave a message to book. Entry and visits are free, though donations to the volunteer-run organization are encouraged.
That’s Prato!
Sundays until July 5
Various venues in the province of Prato; departure at 9.30am from SMN station, Florence
Explore the best of Prato this weekend and beyond! On Sundays until July 5, take part in FREE tours (with transportation included) through this Tuscan province’s cultural heritage and hidden spots. This weekend, the topic on the table is art and food in the Renaissance. You’ll explore the Medici villa of Poggio a Caiano, the Prato Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri (you’ll even get to go underground!) Guided visits are included in Italian and in English. Tours are free; you pay only for entry to the venues. For the full calendar and to register, see the website.
Scream for ice cream!
Until May 3
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence
More info
The Gelato Festival is back in full force! Indulge at the traveling festival: it’s also the week’s most scenic event. Taste flavors from top gelaterias at piazzale Michelangelo. Does it get much better than watching a sunset over Florence with a sweet treat in hand? Right, we didn’t think so. For more information, see the website.
