Ferragosto in Florence: Special Openings and Cultural Events

On Friday, August 15, Florence celebrates Ferragosto with a rich program of special openings and cultural initiatives across the city’s civic museums and landmarks.

Visitors will have the chance to explore the secret passages of Palazzo Vecchio, along with the recently reopened Mezzanine Room, home to Orcagna’s detached fresco The Expulsion of the Duke of Athens and two other masterpieces of medieval sculpture. From there, the view of Florence can be admired from the Torre di Arnolfo at Palazzo Vecchio and from the Torre San Niccolò.

The history of the city and of Forte Belvedere will come to life through Firenze Forma Continua Lab, an interactive installation-laboratory exploring Florence’s urban evolution, where public participation plays a central role.

Several museum exhibitions will also be part of the Ferragosto offer. At Palazzo Medici Riccardi, visitors can see Giovan Battista Foggini. Grand Ducal Architect and Sculptor, marking the 300th anniversary of the artist’s death, as well as the photo shows The Florence of Foggini. Views by Paolo Bacherini and Timeless Portraits. Photographs by Rossano B. Maniscalchi in Dialogue with the Antique.

The Museo Novecento currently hosts three major exhibitions: Un passo avanti tanti indietro, dedicated to Marion Baruch; Siamo Natura by artist and activist Haley Mellin; and La Città delle donne by Lorenzo Bonechi. Visitors can also relax or draw in the Giardino delle Leopoldine cloister, where materials for sketching are available on request, and browse the volumes of the museum’s new “Green Library.”

The Museo Stefano Bardini will open from August 16 to 18, offering the opportunity to follow the restoration of Saint Michael the Archangel by Piero del Pollaiolo, supported by Friends of Florence.

Throughout the summer, Forte Belvedere remains open with its family activities every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5 p.m., followed by participatory tours for young people and adults at 6:30 p.m. Torre San Niccolò is also open daily in August from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with guided visits every 45 minutes (suspended in case of rain).

The Memorial of the Deportations is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, with free guided tours at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and will feature special focus in August to mark the anniversary of Florence’s Liberation on August 11, 1944.

Support Florence Daily News

Florence Daily News is an independent news site covering the stories, culture, and life of Florence and Tuscany. We don’t rely on clickbait, invasive or hidden advertising, or paywalls. Instead, we believe in quality journalism that respects our readers and serves those who care about thoughtful, local reporting.

If you value our work, consider supporting us with a donation.

Donate securely via Stripe below.