Tim Burton and 1,500 works at Florence Biennale 2025

The 15th edition of the Florence Biennale, the city’s major contemporary art fair, opened today at the Fortezza da Basso, bringing together 550 artists and designers from more than 85 countries and showcasing over 1,500 works of art and design.

A highlight of this year’s edition is “Tim Burton: Light and Darkness,” a special exhibition curated by the American director himself. The show retraces Burton’s creative journey through drawings, storyboards, notebooks, and three-dimensional works inspired by his iconic films such as Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. One entire section is dedicated to Corpse Bride, marking the 20th anniversary of the beloved stop-motion film.

Burton, who visited the former underground cells of the Fortezza da Basso together with Tuscany’s president Eugenio Giani, said the place looked “perfect” for his sets. He will receive the Florence Biennale Lifetime Achievement Award on Tuesday.

Another award goes to Patricia Urquiola, internationally renowned designer and guest of honor with a special installation reflecting her creative process. Among the featured pieces are her Mon-cloud armchair for Cassina, designed for circular disassembly; the Babar glass table for Glas Italia, made with 100% recycled material; and the Vieque bathtub for Agape, inspired by vintage enamel tubs.

The Biennale, running until October 26, also includes performances, workshops, and talks — among them an homage to John Cage by artist Sergio Maltagliati and a discussion dedicated to Rembrandt.

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