A Glass Dome to Revitalize Florence’s Parterre

A striking glass dome is set to transform Florence’s Parterre, bringing new life to this historic area. The ambitious project, spearheaded by entrepreneur Giovanni Fittante, aims to create a year-round cultural and event space, combining innovation with the city’s rich traditions.

The proposed structure, named “Theatre Sphere,” will be a glass and steel dome standing between 10 and 12 meters high, positioned within the Parterre’s circular courtyard of 3,000 square meters. This project follows a global trend of innovative spherical venues, such as the Sphere in Las Vegas and the upcoming one in Abu Dhabi.

These structures are designed to provide cutting-edge immersive experiences, serving as multifunctional spaces for concerts, exhibitions, and large-scale events. Other notable spherical venues include La Géode in Paris, a pioneering IMAX projection dome, and Japan’s Nagoya Dome, a multipurpose stadium. While a London Sphere was initially proposed, the project was ultimately canceled in 2023 due to urban planning concerns. The Theatre Sphere in Florence is expected to become a landmark in its own right, integrating modern architectural design with the city’s historical charm.

Fittante, who previously revitalized the space with the summer initiative “Oasi Parterre,” envisions the area as a “Fuori Salone” for Florence, complementing major events like Pitti Uomo and Firenze Fiera, much like Milan’s Salone del Mobile.

The Parterre, once Florence’s main congress center in the mid-20th century and home to the city’s craft exhibition, has faced years of neglect. Designed by Ginkgo Stp architecture studio, the project also emphasizes green spaces, ensuring a balance between urban development and nature. The dome will host a variety of activities, including corporate workshops, concerts, and art contests, while maintaining public functions like the local registry office.

While the timeline depends on bureaucratic procedures, the hope is to launch initial events as early as summer 2025, with full operations by winter 2025/26. With the new tram line making the area more accessible, the Parterre’s transformation could mark a significant enhancement to Florence’s urban and cultural landscape.