New Contemporary and Modern Art Museum Coming to Florence

Florence is set to welcome a significant addition to its cultural landscape with the opening of a new contemporary and modern art museum by the end of 2025. The museum, led by gallerist and art collector Roberto Casamonti, will be located in Palazzo San Giorgio along Lungarno Serristori. Spanning 3,000 square meters, the building was acquired three years ago and is currently undergoing renovations overseen by Casamonti’s son, architect Marco Casamonti. The new space will serve as both the headquarters of the Casamonti art empire and a dedicated exhibition venue for an extensive collection amassed over the past six decades.

The move to Palazzo San Giorgio is driven by the need for a larger and more suitable venue to showcase the collection. At present, many of the masterpieces, including works by Fontana, de Chirico, Warhol, and Cragg, are housed at Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni on Via Tornabuoni. However, the limited space has necessitated a rotational display system, alternating between early 20th-century pieces and more contemporary works.

With the transition to the new museum, most of the collection will be relocated to Palazzo San Giorgio, providing a more comprehensive and permanent exhibition. Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni will continue to host a selection of works and will focus on temporary exhibitions held in spring and autumn. These exhibitions are expected to follow a model similar to Palazzo Strozzi and may involve collaborations with other institutions and artists represented by Casamonti’s galleries on Via Tornabuoni and Lungarno Cellini.

The project is progressing steadily, with completion anticipated within the next six months. The relocation aims to enhance the accessibility of the collection while maintaining the historical connection with Palazzo Salimbeni. By expanding exhibition space and introducing new temporary shows, the initiative will further establish Florence as a key destination for modern and contemporary art.