Best events this summer, 2021 Our top picks for the months of July and August – The Florentine

LIFESTYLEBest events this summer, 2021

Jane Farrell

July 1, 2021 - 7:36

Summer is finally here and weve never been in more need of sun and fun. While it might be tempting to loll about with buckets of ice and savour the sweet salvation of the air con, there are far too many cool happenings to miss out on.

The dramatic Forte di Belvedere is a historic site for some of the citys most interesting exhibitions ever. Under the umbrella title of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: Italys Self-Portrait in the Mirror, two large photographic exhibitions are set up on the three floors of the Buontalenti building. Italiae: From Alinari to the Masters of Contemporary Photography, curated by Rita Scartoni and Luca Criscenti, dives into the archives of the best photography with Italy as its focus, while Pienovuoto, curated by Sergio Risaliti, is dedicated to Como-born Massimo Vitalis contemporary masterpieces. The project by Museo Novecento will be on display from June 25 until October 10, with free entrance. Guided tours and workshops for young photographers can be booked by calling 055 2768224 or emailing [emailprotected]

via di San Leonardo 1, Florence

The 33rd edition of the chamber music festival opens at the Teatro Verdi in Florence with a concert featuring the Orchestra della Toscana, conductor Andrew Litton and a line-up of stellar soloists. Audiences will be treated to Mendelssohns Violin Concerto in E minor with soloist Francesca Dego, with renowned trumpet player Sergei Nakariakov playing his fathers transcription of Tchaikovskys Rococo Variations on the flugelhorn. Alessio Bax is the artistic director for the fifth time and plays Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto No. 1. Following the performance in Florence, events return to the place of the festivals origins at La Foce in the mesmerizing Val dOrcia setting.

via Ghibellina 99, Florence

and La Foce, Val dOrcia

Born in Garessio and living in Turin, Giuseppe Penones sculptural tree in piazza della Signoria has heightened curiosity ahead of the contemporary exhibition to be installed in the Uffizi Gallery this July. Set up in the Detti and Camino rooms, drawings, photographs, sculptures and installations form the series thats scheduled as part of the Dante 700 celebrations. Allusions to the Divine Comedy are peppered throughout the works, as anticipated by the 22-metre tree in front of Palazzo Vecchio that has raised many an eyebrow.

piazzale degli Uffizi 6, Florence

Rifle through the Pimp My Vintage rails to seek out some unique and sustainable garments. One-off items and innovative creations inject some cool into your summer wardrobe, with street art, artists stalls and vinyls mean youll bring home much more than style. See the Facebook event page @PimpMyVintage for info. Free admission.

viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70-72, Florence

The Tuscan capital will host the first edition of the four-day festivities celebrating kindness. The events mark the signing of the Manifesto delle Citt Gentili, a project by the national Italia Gentile movement and the non-profit My Life Design. The days signify the start of serious efforts to bring about a kinder society and a deepening of values such as optimism, gratitude, joy and forgiveness across diverse fields. The idea was formed during the first lockdown, inspired by the book Biology of Kindness, co-written by Daniel Lumera and Immaculata De Vivo (both will be present during the festival). MUS.E, the City of Florence and TuttoVita ONLUS Association are involved in the events that will take place across the Palazzo Vecchio, Museo Novecento and Santa Maria Novella complex.

Michelangelo Buonarroti the Younger (Florence 1568 - 1647) The Cult of Memory is curated by Alessandro Cecchi, Elena Lombardi and Riccardo Spinelli, and explores the cultural legacy of Leonardo di Buonarrota, Michelangelos great-nephew. Born in 1568, four years after the death of his renowned relative, Michelangelo the Younger became a notable figure in his own right in the 17th century, becoming a favourite of the Grand Duchess Cristina di Lorena and a personal friend of the Grand Duke, Cosimo II de Medici. The exhibition explores Michelangelo the Youngers work as a curator, man of letters, poet and his various other endeavours, which led to this collection of first editions, preparatory drawings and paintings. Tickets cost 5-8 euro.

Museo della Casa Buonarroti,

via Ghibellina 70, Florence

Curated by Lucia Mannini with Eva Francioli and Stefania Rispoli, the rooms on the second floor of the museum fill with a solo cycle dedicated to the major 20th-century artist. A participant in many noted exhibitions and prized among private collectors, the show looks at the links between the artist and Tuscany, with intriguing works such as a bronze Ulysses from 1935 and the exceptional Woman Swimming Underwater made from Carrara marble on display.

piazza di Santa Maria Novella 10, Florence

Launching Manifattura Tabacchis latest installation is a three-day programme from June 18 to 20, prompting reflections on humankinds links with nature through a series of talks, workshops, film screenings, and a flower and plant market. A giant installation aimed at encouraging flora and wild fauna fills the loggia that separates piazza dellOrologio from Giardino della Ciminiera. Curated by architect Antonio Perazzi, it acts as an experiential laboratory and is home to 1,555 plants and more than 50 botanical species, installed until September 18. Make sure to check out the open-air cinema in piazza dellOrologio until August 31, set to screen an eclectic mix of genres curated by Fondazione Stensen.

via delle Cascine 33/35, Florence

The Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti fills with soaring strings as musicians from the Cherubini Conservatory of Florence feature in six evenings through to the end of July. The performances take place at 3.30pm on June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, with music by the likes of Chopin, Bach and Beethoven bound to delight audiences in the awe-inspiring setting. Tickets cost 16 euro.

piazza de Pitti 1, Florence

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Best events this summer, 2021 Our top picks for the months of July and August - The Florentine