Your Thursday forecast: best events in Florence

HISTORY/Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici

February 18 and 22

 

 

 

On the occasion of the anniversary of the death of Anna Maria Luisa (1677-1743), the last of the Grand Ducal branch of the Medici, the Municipality of Florence, the Metropolitan City of Florence and MUS.E – thanks to a collaboration with the Uffizi Galleries and the Sistema Museale dell’Ateneo Fiorentino – present three special initiatives to deepen the knowledge of this extraordinary woman. The meetings “with” the Palatine Electress will take place on February 18 at 3, 4 and 5pm in the Sala del Fiorino at Palazzo Pitti. While on February 22, the meetings will be held at 10.30 and 11.30am at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, and at Villa La Quiete at 2.30, 3.30 and 4.30pm, when free guided visits will take place. It is thanks to her that Florence’s immense heritage remains within the city and therefore the cultural institutions come together to celebrate this important gift. On February 18, access to all Florentine Civic Museums is free. For the guided tours, reservation is required at Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Medici Riccardi: T: 055 2768224; info@muse.comune.fi.it and Villa La Quiete: T: 055 2756444; edumsn@unifi.it

 

For more information see here. 

 

 

 

EGYPT/ Tutankhamun: journey to eternity

February 15 – June 2, 2020

 

 

 

The travelling exhibition of Egyptian glories comes to Florence from February 15-June 2. The rich and intriguing culture of Ancient Egypt is represented in an immersive experience with both reproductions from Cairo, and original finds made available by the National Archaeological Museum of Florence. 3D technology and innovative Virtual Reality experiences will reveal all the secrets of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, making known the incredible treasures destined to accompany the young pharaoh on his last journey. Highlights include a reconstruction of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the painted wooden sarcophagus of Padihorpakhered (on display for the first time) and the virtual visit in which, by holding two controllers, you can recreate Howard Carter’s great moment of discovery. See www.palazzomediciriccardi.it for more.

Carriage Gallery, Palazzo Medici Riccardi,

via Camillo Cavour, 3, Florence

 

 

 

FESTIVAL/ Aliano Carnival

From 6pm, February 16

 

 

 

The music, folklore, masks and fantastic colours of the historic Carnival of Aliano comes to Florence. Aliano, a small village of 930 inhabitants in Basilicata, is renowned for having once been host to the writer Carlo Levi during his period of confinement, and subsequently the subject of some of his best works.  The Alianese Carnival is travelling throughout Italy from January 16 to March 1, and this is its Florentine stop, bringing an intriguing and exciting cultural event to the Mercato Centrale Firenze. Starting at 6pm in piazza del Mercato Centrale, the entertainment will begin with music by the U Cirnicchiu group and of the Amarimai, launching the festivities with the typical horned masks linked to Greek mythology. The masks recreate demonic creatures whose threatening character is somewhat diminished by colourful hats and clothing, inspired by the peasant and pastoral tradition. For more info see www.mercatocentrale.it/firenze.

 

Mercato Centrale, piazza del Mercato Centrale,

via dell’Ariento, Florence

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day in Florence 

February 14

 

 

 

For where to find romance in the Renaissance city, have a look at our amore-filled picks here.