Innovation and tradition have always been the common threads linking together various editions of the Florence International Artisan Fair (Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato). This year, those words take on further meaning.
The 2019 edition, scheduled to run from April 24 until May 1 at the Fortezza da Basso, will be an extraordinary event with a revamped exhibition system. Expect to find a more modern staging, designed specifically to showcase the products at their best and enhance visitor experiences. Facilitating easy contact with the 600 exhibitors on the premises is also a priority of this new setup.
This isn’t just a crafts fair: think of it more as a global village, where made-by-hand products and passionate artisans from all over the world mingle.
Why visit the Florence International Artisan Fair?
Whether you’re on the hunt for household items, clothes, jewelry or digital technology, you’ll find something here to suit your tastes.
Winding your way through the booths, you’ll discover quality objects culled not only from different regions of Italy, but from more than 50 countries around the world. Besides skimming the stands, you’ll have the chance to participate in exclusive activities such as tasting workshops and demonstrations conducted by master artisans and chefs.
Where and how will the fair be set up?
The exhibition is divided into multiple sections to ease navigation for visitors.
Within the section Territories you’ll find Italy with homegrown artisans and businesses. The World is instead dedicated to spotlighting international artisans. Artifacts for all will hold many small products. Explore between Tailoring and Accessories, Ecology and Reuse or Handicraft Live, where it will also be possible to watch products being made.
Not to be missed is The Newest section, reserved for young people and centred on makers and digital crafts. An area called Beauty and Wellness will host artisans who work on cosmetics, perfumes and skincare products. There is also a section called Crafts of Taste, which will offer the opportunity to taste excellent culinary products, watch cooking shows, and take part in workshops and seminars.
Over the course of the exhibition’s eight days, as part of the Artisans on Stage program, visitors can participate in various educational activities and meet professionals from different craft sectors, attending live demonstrations and watching them work.
Two noteworthy exhibitions
In a twist on the fair’s usual traditions, the guests of honour will not be a foreign nation as at previous events. Instead, Florence and Tuscany will be thrust into the spotlight and will serve as the inspiration for many exclusive events.
The first is Firenze Made to Measure Wunderkammer (curated by OMA and Gruppo Editoriale, staged by EligoStudio) in which works by 60 master artisans will be presented. It will be divided into six categories (home decorations, jewelry, leather goods, tailoring, accessories, perfume goods) and placed in an evocative setting, inspired by the famed Wunderkammer, the renowned “cabinet of curiosities” of the great collectors between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The second is The Seven Wonders of Tuscany (curated by Once), a selection of products made by the most acclaimed masters of Tuscany. Each product is a quintessential piece of its respective region: alabaster, ceramics, cutlery, bronze, marble, gold, tobacco. Artisans will also demonstrate some of their rarer works.
Useful information
The Fortezza da Basso is close to the Santa Maria Novella railway station—just about five minutes away if you’re walking. Alternatively, there is the tram, using line T1 and getting off at the stop ‘Fortezza’, the venue’s entrance piazza.
Opening hours
Daily from 10am-8pm. Free entry from 8-10pm to visit the special exhibitions and to enjoy the Taste Court, with culinary and street food delicacies, music and surprises.
