International handicraft exhibition MIDA will return to Florence’s Fortezza da Basso for edition number 89 from April 25 to May 1, 2025.
Promoted and organized by Firenze Fiera, in cooperation with leading institutions and trade associations, MIDA is the first certified fair of “know-how” in Italy showcasing “Made in Italy” heritage and identity worldwide. For 89 years, this event has been exhibiting the development of crafts as part of the national and international socio-cultural fabric from fascism to the post-war period to the present day.
Established in 1931, this successful event continues to blend together voices, cultures, generations and a variety of diverse traditions. MIDA features an endless variety of artefacts, side events and live experiential workshops with a nod to technological innovation as well as ethical and sustainable processes.
MIDA 88, Violin maker
MIDA 88,
MIDA 88
MIDA 88
MIDA 88
MIDA 88
“These last 89 years have seen the development of industrial culture and the transition to a digital era,” explains Lorenzo Becattini, president of Firenze Fiera. “In this context, artisans have always had a key role in passing on the values of identity during this complex social evolution, showing the ability to adapt and embrace change by relying oncreativity, passion and relationships. That’s where we must start from again if we want to build our future. Our responsibility as organizers of an international dedicated exhibition is to develop a collective project alongside institutions and associations, so that craftsmanship can once more offer a perspective in these uncertain times.”
Built in just three years, between 1534 and 1537, by court architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger for the first Duke of Florence, Alessandro de’ Medici, the magnificent Medici fortress will again welcome craftspeople to the delight of international enthusiasts, buyers, journalists, and influencers, as witnessed by the 65,000 visitors who registered for last year’s edition of the MIDA.
International exhibitors
MIDA Iran
The exhibition is a unique opportunity for many craft businesses, young makers, creators, developers and designers to exhibit at one of the most important exhibition centres in the world, telling their stories and the story of Italian excellence. More than 500 exhibitors will exhibit in an edition with a strong international focus due to close ties established with leading Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad for the participation of exhibitors from various countries, including France, Spain, Egypt, Morocco, China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Singapore.All product categories will be represented: clothing and accessories; arts and crafts; furnishings; international crafts; beauty and wellness; design and innovation; publishing and trade press; giftware; goldsmithing, jewellery and bijouterie; as well as food and wine.
The programme will feature a range of events, such as talks and workshops.
Design + handicraft shows
CON•TE•NE•RE from Objects to Bodies. Scale Variations in Crafts and Design is an exhibition promoted by Fondazione CR Firenze and created by OMA, Associazione Osservatorio dei Mestieri d’Arte in co-operation with ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale – Industrial Design Association, Tuscan Delegation) and sponsored by the Region of Tuscany and the City of Florence. Held in Sala della Volta, the show will explore the theme of containment as a function and as a symbolic meaning through the evolution of design and craft objects that enclose, welcome and preserve. The exhibition starts with the oldest items like amphoras and jars before moving onto contemporary objects that acquire new scales, materials and functions while adhering to the same principles, such as secretaires, dressers, armchairs, bathtubs and bookcases.
Many activities will focus on arts and crafts and contemporary design, promoted and organized in the Cavaniglia Pavilion with the support of ARTEX – Centro per l’Artigianato Artistico e Tradizionale della Toscana, lead partner of La Galleria dell’Artigianato, which every year promotes Tuscan artisans producing unique pieces of the highest quality and culture, intended for collectors, art galleries and museums.
Jewellery education
Following the success of previous editions, with Le Arti Orafe jewellery school, MIDA 2025 will set up an area dedicated to education, presenting works created by students and their teachers in the charming Polveriera space, once the ammunition arsenal of the 16th-century fortress. Demonstrations by students and master goldsmiths, who will perform live works of encasing, engraving, enamelling, wax modelling, CAD and jewellery design, will complete the show.
The programme will be complemented by insights on the jewellery sector: an exhibition featuring the winners of the Preziosa Young 2025 International Contest and a talk series about crafts, design and research on contemporary jewellery for high school students.
