Half of Florence’s charm is enshrined behind closed doors, inside the city’s historical palazzos and private gardens. But some entrances hide more than others and there is a whole world worth discovering once you’ve crossed the threshold of Palazzo Galli Tassi, in via Pandolfini 20. The sombre, century old stone staircase winds up to the top of the building, the floors enveloped in a mysterious dimness, in sharp contrast with what lies ahead: a one-of-a-kind cultural hub and artistic networking space called Numeroventi. Bright lights, Scandinavian feels and minimalist furniture – an unexpected find amid central Florence’s countless cotto floors and tiny windows.
Clean-lined furniture and modernity are key in this designer haven. ph Marco Badiani
Numeroventi offers exhibition spaces, design apartment rentals, workshops and an artist-in-residence program. During the 1800s the building housed failed baritone turned successful entrepreneur Girolamo Pagliano‘s syrup factory. Perhaps this saccharine past has contributed in freezing its time and space into a sweet molasses that attracts creatives worldwide: after only one year of activity, it has already hosted four long-term artist residencies.
Room 2’s “thinking table” ph Marco Badiani
Current Artist-in-Residence writer Marisa Garreffa in Numeroventi’s Room 1. ph Marco Badiani
The building is undergoing an ongoing renovation process, driven by Numeroventi founders’ desire to expand and open more spaces for future projects. In addition to already open 5 spaces, on Sunday March 26th Numeroventi will finally be unveiling Room 3, the New Co-Working Office, the Daylight Photography Studio and Kitchen, and The Top Floor with a special collective exhibition parenthetically called “Ten Spaces”. For this event, 8 artists and designers have been invited to share their work as site specific installations, exploring multidisciplinary arts from sculpture to textiles, and working with marble, cement, graphite, hair, pattern design, and geometric abstract installations. The featured artists are the following: David Hartono, Anna Rose, Duccio Maria Gambi, Lotto Zero, Marisa Garreffa, Pattern Nostrum, Lorenzo Brinati, Gabriele Romei RMOGRL, Muriel Parra.
Artist-in-Residence Muriel Parra at work in Numeroventi’s studio space. ph Marco Badiani
From 11 to 7 pm, entrance will be free and open to everyone. From 7.30 pm onward the courtyard and spaces will be closed to host a private party (invitation only).
For more information check out their facebook event and website.
