For modern art lovers, Florence may not be the obvious choice of destination. While undeniably one of the most important artistic centres in the world and the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city may seem to many to be rooted too far into the past. This is, of course, untrue as the city is home to a vibrant street art culture, plenty of fascinating contemporary galleries, art schools and academies still attracting artists from around the world, and museums with permanent modern and contemporary sections. In addition to this, one museum is currently home to one of the most exciting modern art exhibitions in the globe: Palazzo Strozzi's Rothko a Firenze (Rothko in Florence) exhibition. So, book your villa in Florence this spring or summer and see this fascinating monograph of the great modern painter while you can...
Rothko, or Markus Yakovlevich Rothkowitz, the 20th century American painter known best for his iconic abstract paintings of blocks of colour, spent influential time travelling Europe and taking in the rich history of art. Among the many places he visited, Florence was one of the destinations and art centres that stood out. Celebrating the artist's, “special bond with Florence,” in particular, and tracing his career, the Palazzo Strozzi exhibition was inaugurated on the 14th of March 2026 and will remain open until the 23rd of August 2026.
Curated by Christopher Rothko and Elena Geuna, this unique project was conceived specifically for Palazzo Strozzi, with the architecture of the palace and the wider city providing, “the ideal backdrop to explore how Rothko translated the tension between classical restraint and expressive freedom into painting, creating through color a new perception of space that transcends the two-dimensionality of the canvas.”
Not only does the exhibition give guests an insight into how the city inspired the artist but this showcase offers an incredible overview of Rothko's entire career, presenting an exceptional curation of over 70 pieces, pulled from private collections and major museums around the globe. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Tate in London, the Centre national d'art et de culture Georges-Pompidou in Paris, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington have all loaned pieces, which you can view under one roof – and what an exceptional roof it is! - during this exhibition!
So, if you book a vacation rental in Florence over the next few months and you are interested in art, this is one more reason to add the Palazzo Strozzi to your itinerary! Many might not get a chance to visit this incredible museum as they would normally prioritise outings to the Uffizi and/or the Accademia during their time in the city but this exhibition is sure to bump it up must-see lists. Come admire the incredible architecture of this influential Renaissance palace, take in the sumptuous sculptural details, and see a world-class exhibition all at once in this remarkable space on a holiday in Tuscany this year! Full-price tickets start at €15 per person.
Palazzo Strozzi
Piazza degli Strozzi, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
prenotazioni@palazzostrozzi.org
+39 055 2645155
