Best contemporary art spaces in Firenze
Renaissance art may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But don’t be fooled into thinking that’s all Florence has to offer. You’d be surprised by the amount of beautiful fashion museums, street art and contemporary art galleries you can find in Florence. For those interested in exploring the prominent, young and emerging talents of the contemporary art scene, here’s our selection of the best contemporary art galleries in Florence.
Aria Art Gallery
Borgo Santi Apostoli 40
Ariaartgallery.com
A vibrant art gallery opened in 2009 in the historic center of Florence, with locations in London and Istanbul too. The Florence location is spectacular, just a stone’s throw from Ponte Vecchio in an ancient courtyard dating back to 1534. The exhibition space boasts a 20th century art collection with works by true greats – from Auguste Rodin and Amedeo Modigliani to Andy Warhol. Aria Art Gallery also supports young talents from the international and national art scene.
Biagiotti Progetto Arte
Via delle Belle Donne, 39/r
BiagiottiProgettoArte
Opened back in 1997 as a contemporary gallery, the Biagiotti Progetto Arte is situated in the heart of the historic center in a 17th century palazzo. Captained by Carole Biagiotti, the gallery turned into a private non-profit foundation in 2012 and promotes young and emerging talents from a myriad of artistic backgrounds – from the visual to the graphic arts, including photography, paint, sculptures, installations and street art.
Cartavetra Gallery
Via Maggio, 64r
Cartavetra.org
This contemporary art gallery was born in 2015 at the hands of Brunella Baldi, who’s desire was to offer something more than an art gallery. She has managed to do just that, Cartavetra Gallery is a place where barriers are broken and visitors are tempted by their curiosity to learn about the artistic opportunities and visit the many exhibitions and workshops hosted. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, drawings, and even book presentations.
C2 – Contemporanea 2
Via Ugo Foscolo, 6
c2contemporanea2.com
Initially, C2 was the studio of the artist Antonio Lo Pinto who organizes, curates and presents contemporary art projects. Today, it presents itself as an independent space and an alternative reality to traditional art galleries. Born in 2011, C2 Contemporanea collaborates with galleries, public and private foundations and cultural institutions. Since its inception, it has hosted projects by young and emerging artists as well artworks by great artists.
Secci Art Gallery
Piazza Carlo Goldoni 2
seccigallery.com
With three locations in Florence, Milan and Pietrasanta, the Secci Gallery is known for hosting innovative and cutting edge exhibitions. Situated in the historical 15-century Palazzo Ricasoli, the Florentine space has always been an incubator for artistic creativity. What sets the gallery apart from many others is its focus in promoting art across all of its expressive mediums and its continuous nurturing of international partnerships and collaborations.
Galleria Poggiali e Forconi
Via della Scala, 35/a (Firenze)
Via Benedetta, 3r (Firenze)
Via Garibaldi, 8 (Pietrasanta)
galleriapoggiali.com
This art gallery based in Firenze, Pietrasanta and Milan has hosted major photography exhibitions, such as the one by David LaChapelle and Davide Bramante, and exhibitions ranging from painting to new media. Its dynamic 400 square-meter space is divided into three different areas, one of which is dedicated to site-specific projects by internationally renowned artists such as Enzo Cucchi and Gilberto Zorio, and young talents such as Luca Pignatelli, Giovanni Frangi and Piero Pizzi Cannella. Galleria Poggiali e Forconi also participates in major international fairs and collaborates with public institutions and museums.
Tornabuoni Arte
Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini
tornabuoniart.com
Active since 1981, Tornabuoni Arte is an international contemporary art gallery with locations in Forte dei Marmi, Milan, Paris London and more. The Florence-based gallery focuses on artworks by Italian masters of the 20th century and the most important exponents of the post-war international avant-garde scene. Tornabuoni Arte has hosted exhibitions from artists like Massimo Campigli, Lucio Fontana and Alberto Burri, and monographic exhibitions including those of Giorgio De Chirico, Filippo De Pisis and Andy Warhol. The gallery also participates in many art fairs in Europe, including, but not limited to, FIAC in Paris and TEFAF in Maastricht.
Frittelli Arte Contemporanea
Via Val di Marina, 15
frittelliarte
This gallery has one of the largest exhibition spaces in Florence, with an area of around 2000 square meters, where works by prominent national and international artists are exhibited. In addition to its temporary exhibit spaces, Galleria Frittelli also boasts a section called “Le Stanze” – a 350-square-meter space hosting a permanent collection of artworks by artists that have collaborated with the gallery since its inauguration in 2006. There’s also a small auditorium where videos are projected and seminars are held.
Street Levels Gallery
Via Palazzuolo, 74
StreetLevelsGallery
Inaugurated in 2006, Street Level Gallery is the first of its kind in Tuscany. Unlike traditional art galleries, this particular one focuses on the exploration of street art and the public. It’s become a meeting point in Florence to connect young artists to cultural promoters and to help the public understand the different themes of street art. Definitely a must.
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