Here’s our round-up for June 16-23
Firenze fills with rock as big names make their way to the city, Forte Belvedere reopens with two intriguing exhibitions, and science sees its own fest. Contemporary dance dominates Santa Maria Novella while the Pride parade takes to the streets of Livorno once more. Here’s your best events of the week line-up for June 16-23.
Forte di Belvedere reopens on June 18, remaining free until October 2. The spectacular site will be open every day except Mondays, from 10am to 8pm. The outdoor spaces will be free, while the exhibition areas are subject to a fee. Open every day except Mondays, from 10am to 8pm. The two shows on display are Rä di Martino’s Play It Again, and Fotografe! From the Alinari Archives to Today.
The street and graffiti artist gets a dedicated display at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, with the fantastical and colourful works exploring the artists career. The new solo exhibition by Francesco Forconi, aka Skim, is an immersion into the artist’s creative universe, with small boats, letters, brushes, pencils and music projected into an imaginary dimension.
The 33rd edition of the popular dance fest is titled Indossare L’arte (Wear Art), with art’s ability to heal, restore and regenerate celebrated through artistic and theatrical dance performances. Under the artistic direction of Marga Nativo and Keith Ferrone, a circular stage immerses audiences in the dance, music, opera and educational shows, with international guests like flamenco dancer Israel Galvàn presenting his award-winning L’età d’oro (The Golden Age). Talented dance groups and choreographers feature both well-known and new stars from countries all over the world. FLODANCE 2.0 perform a piece titled 1943 that reflects on Italian soldiers sent to war and Parisian company Cie Rue Serndip wows with special guest, Sicilian soloist Andrea Marino. As part of the programming, the Florentine Chamber Orchestra plays a tribute to Coldplay, and an evening dedicated to the Meyer Hospital ONLUS and La Milanesiana will be held with Elisabetta Sgarbi. Tickets cost from 10 to 30 euro.
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 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.
15 June 2022 - 17 June 2022
The science fest for all ages sees a programme of coding, computing, botany and biology, with demonstrations, games and shows, with events organized by the University of Florence, guided tours of the Botanical Gardens and events at the Sesto Fiorentino campus also. For reservations, write to reservations.scienzestate@adm.unifi.it
Gian Luca Perris, the CEO and creative nose of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, will guide participants in a mesmerizing olfactory journey at the beautiful hotel in the Fiesole hills. Considered the oldest heritage brand in the world, it was formed by Dominican friars in Florence in 1221, and is still today a leading creator of scented goods. Contact concierge.vsm@belmond.com, T: 055-5678200.
An ambitious new project places photographers at the centre of a unique exhibition shared between two of the most spectacular spaces in the city. Works from the Alinari archives create a path that goes from the 20th century to the present day, combining initial photographic endeavours with contemporary experiments. Various themes guide the journey through different eras, places, and social contexts.
The summer space lungarno fills with shopping, deck chairs, cocktails and music, with a free admission vintage and art fair by the river. Organized by Pimp My Vintage, discover stands packed with vintage, vinyls, jewellery, bags, art and unique products made with attention to the environment.
Forte di Belvedere hosts the project by Museo Novecento, curated by Sergio Risaliti, with an exhibition of visual artworks and video installations by Rä di Martino.
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.
The British Institute of Florence hosts a performance of ‘The Barber and the Clown’ by the Mascarade Opera Studio to celebrate the jubilee. Taking place at 6.30pm on June 16, scenes from ‘Pagliacci’ and ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’ will be performed by rising stars, followed by the singing of Rule Britannia and a Royal Toast. Register by emailing bif@britishinstitute.it.
Said to be the largest music festival in Italy, the third edition of Firenze Rocks rosters rock giants like Green Day, Weezer and Muse (June 16), Red Hot Chili Peppers (June 18), Metallica (June 19) and many more, bringing international rock acts to the city for four days of beats. Tickets from 63.25 euro.
