Gucci Gardens

Gucci Garden, located in the majestic Palazzo della Mercanzia in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, represents a perfect fusion of fashion, art, and history. This space, inaugurated in January 2018 under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, is a celebration of the long and varied history of the Gucci brand, founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. The Palazzo della Mercanzia, dating back to 1337, has played various roles in its long history, serving as the seat of the Mercanzia Tribunal. This historical context adds further charm to Gucci Garden, which spans two floors and offers a unique multisensory experience. At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by the Gucci Garden Gallery, an exhibition area that tells the evolution of the Gucci brand through a series of thematic exhibitions. The first room, Guccification, is dedicated to the famous double G and the brand’s visual language. This is followed by Cosmorama, which explores Gucci’s historic international clientele, highlighting the brand’s global impact. Another fascinating section is De Rerum Natura, divided into two rooms celebrating Michele’s passion for flora and fauna. Here, clothes, accessories, and original artworks by Vittorio Accornero, creator of the famous Gucci Flora print in 1966, are displayed in a riot of colors and natural motifs. The exhibition concludes with Ephemera, a room that traces Gucci’s history through objects, videos, and memorabilia, offering an immersive journey through the brand’s history. In addition to the gallery, Gucci Garden houses a boutique and the Gucci Osteria, a restaurant run by renowned chef Massimo Bottura, awarded three Michelin stars. The boutique pays homage to Michele’s maximalist aesthetic, with rooms decorated in vibrant colors and furnished with restored antique furniture. Here, visitors can purchase exclusive items from the Gucci Garden collection, as well as pieces from Gucci Décor, all presented in a setting that reflects Florentine architecture and style. The Gucci Osteria offers a culinary experience that blends Italian tradition with global influences, reflecting the cosmopolitan spirit of Florence. The menu, created by Bottura, pays tribute to culinary innovation, with dishes that reinterpret Italian classics with a modern twist. Gucci Garden is not just a tribute to the brand, but also a contribution to the Florentine community. Part of the proceeds from the sale of gallery tickets goes towards restoration projects in the city, strengthening the bond between Gucci and Florence. This commitment to preserving the local cultural heritage underscores Gucci’s role as a custodian of tradition and innovator. The entire Gucci Garden experience is conceived as a journey into Alessandro Michele’s imagination, where fashion, art, and history intertwine in a continuous dialogue. The gallery, boutique, and osteria represent three complementary aspects of a single creative vision, celebrating Gucci’s past and present in an engaging and original way.