Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and thanks to Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, the last heir to the Medici dynasty, her family’s vast collection of art must remain there. One would be hard pressed to find another city that houses more early Renaissance art. Along with over 70 museums and historical landmarks (http://www.museumsinflorence.com/index.html) the city’s landscape is the backdrop to arguably the world’s most famous open air museum.
However, contemporary culture and art are also alive and well in Florence. The addition of the museum, Museo Novecento and “Opera di Florence” are welcome examples.
The Novecento museum is housed on the site of the thirteenth century Leopoldine hospital, which more recently contained the Alinari National Museum of Photography. The former cloister/hospital borders the south side of the splendid Piazza of Santa Maria Novella. Here I am looking out of a second floor window in this very modern museum gallery.
The foundation and bones of the museum may be early Renaissance, but the contents, multimedia booths, video rooms and sound devices are contemporary and cutting edge. There are many interactive exhibits appealing to children as well as adults.
Twentieth Century Italian art is the focus with a selection of 300 works to experience
On the top floor is a viewing room where you can sit and enjoy a wonderful collage of twentieth century films that celebrate Florence. Here are a few examples of some of the selection of films: Amici Miei, Obsession, Room with a View and Tea with Mussolini. This is a great way to relax and catch your breath before leaving the museum and exploring the church of Santa Maria Novella or the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella.
Yes, everything is different at the Museo Noveconto and there is something to be enjoyed and experienced by all.
An example of the use of modern architecture in a large green area with panoramas of historical Florence is the new “Opera di Firenze” located at the entrance to the Cascine park, near Porta al Prato.
The cultural center was just recently fully completed, and to say that it is impressive is an understatement! The architect Paolo Desideri and others designed this ultra modern structure which consists of three concert halls including an open air auditorium. Pedestrian access to roof top terraces allows for panoramic views of the historical center as well as the beautiful Cascine park. The old and the new are complementary.
Recently I attended an opera and the acoustics: state of the art.
The cafe and bookstore are open daily (also on non performance days) allowing for family outings and enjoyment of the 13.301,60 square meters of public grounds.
Truly a new GRAND modern piazza and entertainment complex for Florence and Europe.
Renaissance art and the contemporary arts continue to add a fine balance to the culture and richness of Florence. Everything that is old is new again!
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