FLORENCE, ITALY – One of the oldest European institutions of assistance to children, Istituto degli Innocenti (Institute of the Innocents) is reopening its doors after a long period of refurbishment begun in 2010, with its splendid museum that has been completely restored.
The new museum (located in the central Santissima Annunziata sqaure) is an integral element of the Institute that has its roots in the new concept of man diffused in the world by the Renaissance and a mission to protect, educate and defend the rights of infancy.
The museum exhibitions, reopened for June 24, 2016, touch on three thematic lines: history, architecture and art. The architectural complex is exceptionally unique, because Renaissance architecture began with Brunelleschi and this commission.
Its multisecular history is exceptionally well-documented and the immense archive of the Institute is of extraordinary documentary interest. In fact, it is no accident that the Unicef international Office of Research-Innocenti has its seat here.
The Institute is also endowed with an exceptional collection of art and the prestigious collection on the first floor includes works by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Luca della Robbia, Piero di Cosimo and many others.
The Istituto degli Innocenti in Florence has worked uninterruptedly for over six centuries, to help children and families. Founded at the beginning of the fifteenth century, it was the first secular institution dedicated to taking in children.
Today the Institute’s activities include establishing and testing educational and social services, studying the condition of children and promoting children’s rights and culture, in line with the UN Convention on the rights of the child.
The commitment to protect children and their rights, updated as culture and society develop, has always been supported by donations from private citizens, associations and companies, confirming a widespread participation in the Institute’s mission.
The museum is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Entrance fee: € 7.00
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