Seasonal opening for Florence’s Iris Garden, home of the city’s emblem 

The Giardino dell’Iris in Florence is now open to the public for its annual spring season, which began on 25 April and will continue until 20 May 2026. The garden welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m.

Located just below Piazzale Michelangelo, the botanical garden offers views over the historic centre and hosts a large collection of iris varieties, the flower symbol of Florence. Entry is free, with voluntary donations accepted.

The Giardino dell’Iris in Florence is now open to the public for its annual spring season, which began on 25 April and will continue until 20 May. The garden welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m.

Located just below Piazzale Michelangelo, the botanical garden offers views over the historic centre and hosts a large collection of iris varieties, the flower symbol of Florence. Entry is free, with voluntary donations accepted.

A garden linked to Florence’s symbol

The Giardino dell’Iris was established in 1954 to host an annual international competition dedicated to the flower, known as the “Premio Firenze”. The initiative was promoted by members of the Italian Society of Flower Lovers, including Flaminia Specht and Nita Stross Radicati, who helped bring the event to Florence due to the city’s historic association with the iris, depicted on its coat of arms.

The municipality supported the project by assigning land on the eastern side of Piazzale Michelangelo, then known as the “Podere dei Bastioni”. The garden was designed by architect Giuliano Zetti and officially opened in 1957. Over time it expanded through international donations, including historical iris collections from the United States, and now covers about 2.5 hectares arranged in terraces, paths and planted areas. A small pond added in 1967 allows for the cultivation of water-loving varieties such as Japanese and Louisiana irises, alongside many other species.

An international network of growers

Since its early years, the Giardino dell’Iris has developed strong international ties, particularly with the United States and Europe. One of the most significant contributions came from the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens in Montclair, New Jersey, which donated part of its historic collection to Florence.

Each year, hybridisers, botanists and horticulturists from across Europe, North America and other regions send rhizomes to the garden and take part in the competition, reinforcing its role as an international reference point for iris cultivation and research.

A unique botanical collection

The Giardino dell’Iris is dedicated entirely to the cultivation and study of irises, with plants from hybridisers around the world. The garden is maintained in part by volunteers, who care for the plants over several years before they are evaluated.

The blooming period in late April and early May is the best time to visit, when many of the garden’s varieties are in flower.

International competition under way

From 4 May, an international jury will begin evaluating entries for the 68th International Iris Competition, an annual event that awards the best new varieties.

Rhizomes are sent to Florence between June and September and are cultivated in the garden for three years before being judged. The winners of the 2026 edition are scheduled to be announced on 9 May during an award ceremony at Palazzo Vecchio.

Expansion works in progress

The garden is also undergoing expansion works supported by Fondazione CR Firenze. The project aims to increase the space available for cultivation and improve visitor access.

Practical information

• Dates: until 20 May 2026
• Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.)
• Entry: free (voluntary donation)
• Location: below Piazzale Michelangelo

The Giardino dell’Iris is open only for a limited period each year, making the current weeks the main opportunity to visit before it closes again for the season.

(Cover photo: Olga via Wikipedia)

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