Museum of the Twentieth Century

The Museo Novecento in Florence, inaugurated on June 24, 2014, is dedicated to Italian art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Located in the ancient Leopoldine Hospital in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the museum is a reference point for the city, a place where the artistic history of the 20th century intertwines with modernity, offering a fascinating journey through the works of the greatest Italian artists of the last century. The building housing the museum has a long history dating back to the 13th century when it was a hospital. The structure, with its external loggia and typical architecture of medieval hospitals, has been restored several times over the centuries, becoming a modern exhibition space that combines historical and contemporary elements. The transformation into a museum has further enhanced this space, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide and diverse audience.The Museo Novecento houses a permanent collection of about 300 works distributed in 15 exhibition rooms on three levels. Among the most significant works in the collection are those donated by engineer Alberto Della Ragione, which include masterpieces by artists such as Giorgio De Chirico, Giorgio Morandi, Filippo De Pisis, Gino Severini, Mario Mafai, and Renato Guttuso. This donation, made after the flood of Florence in 1966, is a symbol of rebirth and resilience for the city.Another focal point of the museum is the donation of Ottone Rosai, made in 1963 thanks to the generosity of the widow Francesca Fei and her brother Oreste. Rosai’s works, with their urban landscapes and portraits, offer a glimpse into the daily life and social and cultural transformations of 20th-century Italy.In addition to the permanent collection, the Museo Novecento organizes temporary exhibitions, educational activities, and workshops for adults and children. The programming is curated by Sergio Risaliti and includes concerts, film screenings, book presentations, and thematic meetings, making the museum a dynamic and constantly evolving place. The museum’s activities are designed to engage a diverse audience, offering opportunities for in-depth exploration and cultural entertainment.The museum is also known for its inclusive initiatives, carried out thanks to funding from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and in collaboration with the Department of Architecture of the University of Florence, the National Deaf Association, and the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired. These initiatives aim to remove physical and cognitive barriers, making the museum accessible to all and promoting an inclusive and participatory culture.Among the most recent and significant temporary exhibitions organized by the museum are those dedicated to artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Giorgio Morandi. These exhibitions offer an in-depth view of the works and lives of the artists, exploring universal themes through the lens of modern and contemporary art.The Museo Novecento also stands out for its innovative use of multimedia technologies. The exhibition rooms are equipped with interactive devices that allow visitors to delve into the works and historical contexts in which they were created. This modern approach makes the museum visit an immersive and engaging experience, suitable for all ages.Located in one of the most beautiful and historic squares in Florence, the museum also offers a spectacular view of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. After visiting the museum, visitors can stroll through the streets of the historic center, discovering other artistic and architectural wonders that the city has to offer.