Your Thursday forecast: best events in Florence

CINEMA/ The Elephant Man

September 16

Restored in 4K on its 40th anniversary

The Odeon, in collaboration with the Cineteca di Bologna, presents The Elephant Man by David Lynch, restored in 4K. The 1980 historical drama tells the story of Joseph Merrick, a man who lived in London in the late 19th century who became known for his deformities. The adaptation starring John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft received numerous nominations for the Academy and Golden Globe awards, as well as winning several BAFTAs. The screening will be in English, with Italian subtitles and will be shown at 6 and 9pm. More information can be found here. 

Sift through for treasure

The best of vintage clothes and crafts come to the courtyard of The Student Hotel for sustainable fashion and street art in an urban garden. This edition seeks to find a “return to the future”, using items of the past as the way forward. Timeless garments, top-quality materials, and above all environmentally friendly, vintage has made a welcome comeback. Organized by Pimp my Vintage, admission is free but can be booked to ensure faster entry. See here for more. 

The Student Hotel,

Viale Spartaco Lavagnini, 70, Florence

EXHIBITION/ MeDisProject photography – A Pandemic Diary

Until September 13

The quarantine experience might be blissfully fading into memory for some, but there are certain elements we shouldn’t forget. A beautiful lockdown diary charts the quarantine experience of a couple and their toddler, documenting the moments that took on magnitude. The artists are family and portrait photographers, Dovile Bruzaite and Matteo Baldini of MeDisProject Photography who were prompted to create the works so their two and a half year old would have something to remember the experience. The exhibition takes place as part of the Chille de la Balanza festival and will be held at San Salvi, vividly bringing to mind the sense of apprehension yet tenderness in family life during a pandemic. Admission is free, reservation required for festival events. Read more about the exhibition here. 

San Salvi,

via di San Salvi 1-9, Florence

SPORT/ Mugello Grand Prix

September 13

For the first time ever, the Mugello Circuit will host part of the Formula 1 World Championship, and it’s an important event for other reasons too as Ferrari’s 1000th race takes place in Tuscany. Owned by Ferrari since 1988, the Mugello Circuit has been assigned the ninth round of the season, the GP Toscana Ferrari 1000. Sitting between the hills of the municipality of Scarperia and San Piero a Sieve, just 35 km from Florence, the challenging 3.3 mile track will see drivers display their best skills as they swoop along, dipping through the natural topography.

MOVEMENT/ Florence Dance Festival

Until September 16

Elegance, energy, finesse and fire, the Florence Dance Festival showcases dancers from the Florence Dance Center, Kinesis Dance Company, the Oniris Dance Lab and others.  Normally held in July, this edition also sees a change in venue from Santa Maria Novella to Teatro della Compagnia. All performances start at 8.30pm. Purchase tickets (costing 15 euro, children under 10 free) here. 

Teatro della Compagnia,

via Cavour 50/r