Marino Marini Museum

The Marino Marini Museum in Florence is a fascinating fusion of ancient and modern, housed in the historic deconsecrated church of San Pancrazio. This building, dating back to the year 1000, has been adapted in different eras and has served multiple functions, from being the headquarters of the Imperial Lottery of France to a courthouse, to becoming a tobacco factory and a military depot. Since 1988, after a careful restoration, it has housed the works of the famous Tuscan sculptor Marino Marini, offering visitors a unique experience that intertwines historical architecture and contemporary art. Marino Marini, born in Pistoia in 1901, is one of the most influential Italian artists of the 20th century. After studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Marini developed a unique artistic language, characterized by sculptures that explore archetypal themes such as the knight and the goddess Pomona, symbols of virtue and fertility respectively. His career was marked by numerous international awards and his works are exhibited in museums around the world. The museum’s permanent collection includes 183 works by Marini, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and engravings, donated by the artist himself and his widow, Marina. The works are displayed on four levels, in a layout that favors natural light and allows for a dynamic and engaging experience. Among the most imposing sculptures is the equestrian group “Aja” (1957-58), located in the center of the original liturgical space and illuminated by the large apse window. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Marino Marini Museum is its integration with the Rucellai Chapel, which houses the Tempietto of the Holy Sepulchre, a funerary monument designed by Leon Battista Alberti in the 15th century. This sacred corner of the church, still consecrated, offers visitors a rare combination of Renaissance sacred art and modern sculpture, creating a unique temporal and artistic dialogue. Marini is known for his representations of knights and horses, which evolve stylistically throughout his career. Before the Second World War, his works reflected an ideal harmony between man and animal, a symbol of a natural and civil order. However, the devastating experience of the war profoundly changed his artistic vision. The post-war works, such as the “Miracles” series started in 1952, express a rupture of this harmony, depicting wild horses and knights in battle, metaphors of the post-war human condition characterized by disorder and fragmentation. The museum is not only a place of exhibition but also a vibrant cultural center, organizing temporary exhibitions and events dedicated to contemporary art. The Marini San Pancrazio Foundation, which manages the museum, promotes educational and research activities, contributing to keeping Marini’s artistic legacy alive and fostering dialogue with the new generations of artists and scholars.