From a newly opened nursery to memory-minded guided tours, here’s the latest news from Manifattura Tabacchi.
Non Solo Cinema + sustainability
Until August 28, Non Solo Cinema is an unmissable film screening series at Manifattura Tabacchi, at the new location of the Cortile della Ciminiera. The programme of films and events curated by Fondazione Stensen in Italian and original language with subtitles has both new releases and classics in a broad range of genres. There’s even reduced entry of 3.50 euro for Italian and European films.
The programme closes out in spectacular style on August 28, with a screening of the docufilm Stracci, which explores the theme of sustainability through the story of used clothes in Prato. The occasion also marks the launch of the collaboration between Manifattura and Rifò, with a collection point for cotton jeans and garments made of at least 95% wool and cashmere which will be regenerated to create new sustainable garments. Those who donate will receive a 10 euro voucher for the purchase of an item on the Rifò online store. To mark the occasion, Rifò founder Niccolò Cipriani will give an introduction, with free entry for the film for all those who donate an item.
Urban Dialogues
Organized by the Municipal Libraries, different perspectives and voices on the theme of urban space and its evolution come together through reading, writing and audio and visual narration. As part of the programme dedicated to using memory as a tool and method to rethinking the city, an events series takes in several sites. At 2.30pm on September 28, ‘The cigar makers trek’ will be held departing from the Sant’Orsola complex to Manifattura Tabacchi, two former tobacco factories. Participants will be able to take part in a free guided tour of the entire Manifattura Tabacchi complex.
Guided tours of the Caveau
Ph. Alessandro Fibbi
Ph. Alessandro Fibbi
Ph. Alessandro Fibbi
Manifattura Tabacchi (via delle Cascine 35) recently introduced guided tours of its Caveau space, encompassing the history and legacy of the former tobacco factory. Visitors undertaking the hour-long journey through the manufacturing complex begin at the building’s façade, where the expert guide details the area, bringing participants through to the spaces of the Factory and the Officina Botanica hanging garden.
The tour then heads to the Caveau, an exhibition space created to accommodate the unique heritage. Machinery, windows, objects and materials that were found in the factory have been carefully catalogued and displayed. Stories by those who once worked at Manifattura Tabacchi in its former guise bring the space to life once again, detailing the lives and events in the neighbourhood, as well as more generally looking outwards to Florence and Italy to complete the historical framework. The archive of windows, gates, doors, lamps and more reflect the strong identity of Manifattura Tabacchi, with the items still used by the stores onsite.
Free guided visits can be booked at www.manifatturatabacchi.com, with upcoming tours on September 7, 21 and 26 (contact the organizer to find out if the tour will be in English or Italian).
Newly opened nursery
Manifattura Tabacchi open the doors to their new municipal nursery school in September, accommodating up to 100 children in two cutting-edge mirrored spaces, entirely made of wood and surrounded by greenery. Built next to the former Florentine factory as part of the urbanization works to redevelop the complex, the 2,600 square metre space on via Boito hosts the Brucliffo Nido and the Bianconiglio Nido, for children aged 1-3. Three teaching rooms, nap rooms, and a shared kitchen all overlook green areas, with educational vegetable gardens and fruit trees to bring the little ones closer to nature. Other spaces are dedicated to developing motor skills and artistic activities, with the space built according to the sustainable principles that characterize the entire Manifattura Tabacchi project.
