In 2025, Florence and Tuscany will commemorate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Michelangelo Buonarroti, born on March 6, 1475, in Caprese, a small village in the Upper Tiber Valley, in the province of Arezzo. As one of the most significant figures of the Renaissance, Michelangelo left an indelible mark on the art world, and this milestone is being celebrated with a year-long program of events, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives.
“The Eternal Contemporary. Michelangelo 1475–2025” at the Galleria dell’Accademia
The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, home to Michelangelo’s iconic David, is leading the celebrations with the project L’eterno contemporaneo. Michelangelo 1475–2025 (“The Eternal Contemporary. Michelangelo 1475–2025”). This program aims to highlight the timeless relevance of the artist’s work and his influence on contemporary culture. Running from March 6 to December 15, 2025, the initiative includes conferences, performances, and special activities designed to deepen public appreciation of Michelangelo’s artistic legacy.
The festivities begin on March 6 with an exclusive event for members of the Friends of the Galleria dell’Accademia, featuring guided thematic tours by art historians. Those interested in joining the association can register online beforehand or at the event itself.
Starting March 10, a series of weekly lectures will be held every Monday at 5:30 PM, offering insights into Michelangelo’s personality and artistic contributions. The opening lecture by Cristina Acidini will focus on “Michelangelo and Vittoria Colonna: A Friendship in the Name of Art,” exploring the artist’s relationship with one of the most influential women of the Renaissance. Other distinguished speakers, including Francesco Caglioti and Marco Pierini, will discuss topics such as the creation of the David and Michelangelo’s impact on contemporary art.
A special event on June 9 will feature historian Tomaso Montanari and actor Francesco Gori presenting a unique reading: it will transport audiences into the artistic, political, and cultural climate of 16th-century Rome through selected passages from Michelangelo’s letters and the biographies written by Giorgio Vasari and Ascanio Condivi.
In the autumn, the Galleria dell’Accademia will host a series of musical performances, including a unique concert by Italian musician Vinicio Capossela, who will engage in a musical dialogue with Michelangelo’s masterpieces. The celebrations will conclude on December 15 with a concert by the Trio Thesan, in collaboration with the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory of Florence.
Other Initiatives in Florence
Beyond the Galleria dell’Accademia, the city of Florence will offer a variety of events to honor Michelangelo’s legacy:
- March 6 at 11:00 AM – The Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio will host a conference by Francesco Vossilla titled “The Genius of Victory: 550 Years of Michelangelo Buonarroti,” examining the significance of Michelangelo’s Victory sculpture.
- March 6 at 10:00 AM – The Basilica of Santa Croce will hold a ceremony organized by the Academy of Arts and Drawing, the Opera di Santa Croce, and the City of Florence. A laurel wreath will be placed at Michelangelo’s tomb to commemorate his historical significance.
- March 6 at 6:45 PM – The Cappella Martelli in the Basilica of San Lorenzo will feature a guided tour led by Monica Bietti, focusing on the Tribune of Relics, commissioned by Pope Clement VII and designed by Michelangelo. The evening will include a violin performance of Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor by Sara Pastine.
A Unique Opportunity to Celebrate Michelangelo
The 550th anniversary of Michelangelo’s birth is a momentous occasion for both residents and visitors to Florence and Tuscany. This extensive program of events offers a rare chance to engage with the legacy of one of history’s greatest artists, reaffirming the lasting influence of his work on global art and culture. Whether through lectures, concerts, or guided tours, these celebrations provide a profound and immersive experience into the life and achievements of the Renaissance master.