Dante 700 – Massimo Sestini at Santa Maria Novella

Renowned photoreporter Massimo Sestini brings 23 extraordinary shots depicting Dante in places associated with him to the former refectory of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Florence. Using drones, pulleys, remote-controlled cameras, and even fins and snorkels, the remarkable shots reveal Dante’s ongoing presence in our lives in the places he wrote about, the works of art created to honour him, and in the textbooks of students who pore over his words. The legacy of the Supreme Poet is explored in the places connected to him such as Florence, Ravenna, Venice, Rome, Verona, Poppi and the source of the Arno on Monte Falterona. 

Titled Dante 700, the exhibition was inaugurated on October 28 and will be on display until January 6, 2021 before it travels around the world, representing Tuscany’s most beloved literary figure. 

Created to mark the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death, the exhibition was curated by Sergio Risaliti, director of the Museo Novecento, with the scientific advice of Domenico De Martino, professor at the University of Pavia and director of the Dante 2021 festival in Ravenna. The show was organized by the MUS.E association and promoted by the City of Florence and the Florentine Civic Museums. The works were first shown at the Quirinale in Rome before returning to the city that gave birth to Dante Alighieri.

Opening hours until November 30:

11am to 5pm, Thursday to Monday

1-5pm on Sundays.

Opening hours from December 1:

10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday 

1-5pm Sundays

Tickets cost 7.50, reduced 5 euro (11-18 year olds) and free for children under 11 and for residents of Florence.