Here’s our round-up for June 9-16
Look to the stars for the celebration of Florentine astrophysicist Margherita Hack, and check out the ‘Sotto Le Stelle’ line-up for something stellar here on earth. Urban regeneration and literature get dedicated festivals, and Pitti Uomo brings striking looks to the city. Here’s our line-up of best events this June 9-16.
The Galileo Museum and the Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory dedicate two days to great Florentine astrophysicists on the occasion of Hack’s centenary. The events retrace her life and discoveries, with scientists and scholars of the stars illuminating her story and her commitment to the promotion of civil rights, freedom of thought, and public schools. She was the first Italian woman to direct an astronomical observatory, the Astronomical Observatory of Trieste from 1964 to 1987, and greatly influenced the Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory where Margherita Hack carried out her thesis and first research on the same hill where Galileo Galilei spent the last years of his life. Events include talks and interviews, some of which will also be live-streamed. Free admission upon reservation: info@museogalileo.it, info-hack100-oaa@inaf.it
Sotto le Stelle at Tenuta Poggio Casciano, via Poggio al Mandorlo 1, Bagno a Ripoli, is a stellar summer events line-up with The Florentine and Ruffino. Every Wednesday at 6.30pm, a guest speaker joins our editor Helen Farrell in conversation. Guests include John Hooper on June 15, Frances Mayes on June 22, and Kim Campbell on June 29. All events are free, though you’ll be fancying some wines and nibbles. Email hospitality@ruffino.it or call +39 378 3050220.
Embark on an immersive journey through the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci with the brand new production of Da Vinci Experience by Crossmedia Group. Created in 2017, the immersive exhibition has travelled more than 20 cities around the world and has been seen by more than 900,000 spectators, and has now been completely renewed thanks to the work by Pixel Shapes, Leandro Summo, and Andrea Maioli of Kanaka, with an original soundtrack by Giovanni Raniolo aka Jitzu. 35 minutes of immersive video look at the maestro’s biography, colour, painting, engineering, anatomy, and ideas around water and air, with numerous models of his machines on show as well as the Da Vinci VR Experiene, a virtual reality experience using Oculus Quests where visitors can grapple with Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and operate his creations. Open from 10am to 6.30pm every day (last admission 5.30pm). Prices from 9 to 14 euro.
Tiche Atelier at via San Zanobi 122r hold zero-waste creative workshops accompanied by an aperitivo. From 2.30-4.30pm on June 12, learn how to create beautiful bouquets and ceramic-effect vases taking your creations home, in collaboration with Sonja of @funkybirdfirenze. Price 25 euro. Contact via Instagram or Facebook messenger, or email info@ticheclothing.com.
The British Institute of Florence host a performance of ‘The Barber and the Clown’ with Mascarade Opera Studio to celebrate the jubilee. Taking place at 6.30pm on June 16, scenes from ‘Pagliacci’ and ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’ by rising stars, followed by the singing of Rule Britannia and a Royal Toast. Register by emailing bif@britishinstitute.it.
The Mascarade Concert Series brings The Bear to the stage from 7.30pm on June 9, with a staging of the one-act extravaganza by William Walton starring artists of the Mascarade Opera Studio, directed by Marie Lambert-Le Bihan, and musical direction by Kristina Yorgova. Drinks by Manifattura and cabaret precede the show, set to start at 9pm. Book your ticket on www.classictic.com.
Val Gardena artist Sabina Vallazza presents ‘The Big Egg’ at the Female Arts in Florence space at Borgo San Frediano 131. Each visitor can reassemble the painting according to their own inspiration, becoming an integral part of the exhibition by tagging their work and loading it to the community page that will be connected to the display and where the images created by the public will form part of the display. At the inauguration on June 9, there will be a performance by Francesca Stampone at 6.30pm.
The 5th edition of the literary fest sees activities for readers of all ages, with talks, presentations and more spreading a love for literature. All events are free with no reservation required.
Manifattura Tabacchi hosts the fourth edition of the festival dedicated to urban regeneration, with talks, an exhibition and a programme inspired by New European Bauhaus among the events.
C.F. Contemporary Fire by Caterina Fondelli launches an exhibition titled Poggio Tempesta featuring artists Oliviero Fiorenzi, Nicola Ghirardelli, IPER-collettivo and Francesco Pacelli, on display in a large private park in Poggio Tempesti. Each of the artists interprets the environment, focusing on a particular detail and creating an enigmatic and sensational experience.
Florence’s biggest fashion affair returns for more striking looks and pizzazz across the city. Guest of honour this year is Ann Demeulemeester, with Grace Wales Bonner present as guest designer. Taking a Pitti Island theme, Pitti Uomo 102 is followed by the child-focused fair, Pitti Bimbo 95 (June 22-24), and textile-oriented Pitti Filati (June 29 to July 1), as Fortezza da Basso fills with flair.
Cinema La Compagnia hosts screenings of short films from 6.30pm on June 12, with introductions, meetings, DJs, aperitivi, and more forming part of the line-up.
