Archive for 'Museums & Galleries'

The Palazzo Vecchio is the beautiful and historic (and haunted) old town hall of Florence. Located right at the centre of the historic core of the city, it is one of many fascinating architectural gems in the area. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are interested in the history and heritage of the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance then a visit to the Palazzo Vecchio to learn more about the origins of the city and how it developed up to the present day, who ruled over the lands, how the city has expanded and physically changed, important citizens throughout the ages from princes to artists to scientists, and more is a definite must. However, while you are exploring the building and being given context on the history of the city by your tour guide, be sure to pay attention to one room, in particular: the Salone dei Cinquecento, or Hall of the Five Hundred.     Read More

For a little under one more month the Palazzo Pitti boasts yet another attraction that further cements its place as a must-see for art-lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning an Autumn getaway in Tuscany. Already a stunning Renaissance palace that is surrounded by the famously lovely Boboli Gardens and that houses incredible institutions such as the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions, the Palazzo Pitti is also currently ringed by 100 metal wolves by the Chinese artist Liu Ruowang.

This incredible sculptural installation is on display in Pitti Square and Santissima Annunziata Square and will continue to be shown until the 2nd of November 2020. Symbolising the aggression of man on the planet and a corresponding reaction from nature, these wolves have invaded the grounds of this cultural hub in Florence and work as a looming and foreboding presence.     Read More

There are some museums that are perhaps too niche for some but absolutely fascinating to others. A great example of this is the Museum of Straw and Straw Weaving (Museo della Paglia e dell’Intreccio) in Signa, which celebrates the long tradition of hat-making in Tuscany and in Signa, in particular. For some, that may seem a little too specific and not particularly interesting but serious fashion-lovers who are interested in the incredible history of clothes-making and of trend-setting and style and the vibrant heritage of crafts that are still very much alive in Tuscany, it is sure to be of interest. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence but you're looking for a great day-trip destination then a visit to the pretty town of Signa is a wonderful idea and if you're one of those fashion-obsessed visitors to Florence, the town's history of hat-making and the museum that is dedicated to this heritage is a must-see while there!

The Domenico Michelacci Museum of Straw and Straw Weaving in Signa is located in the municipal building in town that also houses the municipal library and the historical archive. Signa, of course, is the perfect setting for such a museum as this old artisanal tradition dates back centuries upon centuries in the town. In fact, by the 16th century, the weaving of straw had become so refined and perfected in Tuscany that the Grand Duke Cosimo I is known to have sent examples of locally-made hats as gifts to sovereigns of kingdoms all over Europe. By the beginning of the 18th century, the woven goods and hats of Signa had become so sought after that local farmers began producing wheat that was exclusively grown to create straw for hat-making and not for consumption. As a result, Florence and the surrounding area, including Signa, became the biggest producer of quality straw hats in all of western Europe.     Read More

The vast and incredible Renaissance palace that is the Palazzo Pitti in Florence is surrounded by the famous Boboli Gardens and is a truly remarkable architectural gem. However, in addition to being an exceptional tourist attraction and piece of cultural heritage in its own right, the Palazzo Pitti is also home to the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are interested in art, architecture, culture, and history, it is a one-stop shop for some of the richest and most interesting collections in the world.

While Florence is truly synonymous with the Renaissance we do recommend, however, that you take the time to visit the Gallery of Modern Art at the Palazzo Pitti, in particular, and take in some incredible works of art from the 19th century onwards. Located since 1922 on the second floor of the palace in rooms along the façade of the building that were once home to the Medici's library and along the side wings where various rooms were used for the children of the family and retainers, the museum was founded in 1914.     Read More