Best events in Florence this week March 28-April 4, 2024

Returns: From Modigliani to Morandi

Museo Novecento celebrates ten years since its inauguration in 2014 with a major exhibition titled Returns: From Modigliani to Morandi dedicated to the history of one of its most prized ensembles, the Alberto Della Ragione Collection. Donated to the City of Florence following the devastating flood in 1966, the works are now reunited with the invaluable masterpiece by the Livornese artist, Amedeo Modigliani. The idea conceived by the director of the museum, Sergio Risaliti, sees the rooms of the former Leopoldine on the second floor of the museum transformed for the occasion, with the exhibition curated by Eva Francioli, Chiara Toti and Sergio Risaliti on show until September 15.

Passeggiate Patrimoniali - Heritage strolls

A new programme of walks is proposed as part of the Firenze Forma Continua project, with the aim of spreading knowledge of the city’s history. The various itineraries lead participants through the lesser-known sites of the UNESCO awarded historic centre, as well as exploring the architecture, history and landscapes of the surroundings, taking in the gates, towers and fortresses that have stood strong for centuries. A number of events will be held in English. The free events are aimed at young people and adults, and last two hours.

Banksy – Capitalist Reality

100 works, including videos, prints, sculptures and serigraphs by the world-famous street artist, come to Volterra, a 90-minute drive from Florence, with various mice claiming their rights, monkeys in government and children playing with bulletproof vests to be found.

Edocēre medicos

The history of medical and surgical training in Florence is the subject of a special display to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the University of Florence and the founding of the Careggi Hospital, explored through documents dating to the ninth century, finds from private collections and multimedia installations.

DRUID ­– And still they don’t believe it

Emanuele Napolitano, known as Druid, holds his first solo show in the city, curated by Valentina Ciarallo. The visual artist, painter, video maker and director uses vibrant colours and bold strokes in his interpretation of everyday life. The series of paintings dedicated to the 12 zodiac signs welcoming guests on the main wall of the lobby is accompanied by a prediction about individual destiny.

Fiorentina vs Atalanta

The men’s Coppa Italia semi-final will see the Viola fans out in force following the sad passing of the soccer club’s director Joe Barone.

Launch of the Maison Goldblum Method at The22

A new way to lengthen, strengthen and tone both body and mind is launched at the beautiful urban space near piazza San Lorenzo. Emilie Goldblum, the three-time National Champion of Canada in rhythmic gymnastics and an Olympic athlete, has created a fitness regimen centred on creating a community of like-minded individuals.

Mimmo Jodice - Senza Tempo

Eighty photographs taken between 1964 and 2011 trace key features of Italian photography during this period, with subjects such as modern cities and culture, and reflections on the interweaving of the ancient and the contemporary. Jodice’s work, which will be on display in Florence for the first time, focuses on personal memories and experiences, particularly in his native city of Naples, and its rapport with ancient art and civilizations.

The Crucifix Collection

17th- and 18th-century Italian crucifixes are crafted into sculptures by Irish artist Jean O’Reilly Barlow. Rare minerals and gems dramatically alter the artifacts, representing messages of redemption and transformation.

Daisy’s Dining

The weekly dinner show at House of Nine sees entertainment by Arachel Dolphie and the Daisy’s Cuban Band. Featuring special guest shows once a month, the dinner and show is open to all culinary and music lovers from 8pm every Friday until May, and every Thursday and Friday in May and June.

Easter religious services in English

Santi Apostoli Catholic Church holds the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in English at 6pm on March 28, with the Celebration of the Passion in English at 6pm on Good Friday, and the Stations of the Cross in Italian at 8pm. The Easter Vigil Mass on March 30 is held at 10pm in both Italian and English. On Easter Sunday, mass in English is at 10.15am and in Italian at 11.45am and 7pm.

St Mark’s English Church holds morning prayer during Lent at 9am on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, both in person and via Zoom. Holy Thursday is marked at 7pm on March 28, with the church open from midday to 3pm on Good Friday, and a service at 2pm. Easter Choral Eucharist is at 10.30am on March 31.

St James Episcopal Church holds a Festival of Cakes on March 10, the middle-most Sunday in Lent, to observe Laetare. The Palm Sunday service at 11am on March 24, Tenebrae in the Chancel is at 7pm on Holy Wednesday (March 24), Maundy Thursday is marked at 7pm on March 28, and services on Good Friday are at midday and 7pm. Easter Sunday on March 31 will involve a service at 11am, followed by a brindisi in the portico, and an Easter egg hunt.