Must-See Summer Exhibitions and Events in Florence

The days stretch longer, the city’s piazzas come alive, and art spills into every corner of the historic center. When you stay at Hotel Orto de’ Medici, you’re right in the heart of it all—surrounded by the vibrant energy of Florence and the quiet elegance of our private garden, once a place where a young Michelangelo took his first steps toward artistic greatness. Alongside the city’s timeless landmarks and masterpieces, summer brings a rich calendar of exhibitions and cultural events that make Florence even more exciting to explore.

This summer, Palazzo Strozzi presents the most important exhibition ever dedicated in Italy to British contemporary artist Tracey Emin.
Sex and Solitude features over 60 works, ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures, photographs, and striking neon installations. The show is an emotional deep dive into themes of love, vulnerability, and identity. Set within the grand architecture of the Renaissance palace, the intimacy of Emin’s work takes on a whole new depth—making this a must-see for anyone drawn to raw, expressive, and deeply personal art.

At Villa Bardini, the exhibition Caravaggio and the 20th Century explores the dramatic impact of Caravaggio’s style on modern artists. With more than 40 artworks, documents, and rare photographs, it reveals how art historian Roberto Longhi and writer Anna Banti helped revive interest in Caravaggio’s legacy and shaped a new artistic vision in the 1900s. The result is a fascinating conversation between the stark contrasts of Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro and the emotional tensions of 20th-century art. And as a bonus, your visit includes one of the best panoramic views over Florence from the villa’s gardens.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi is hosting a major monographic exhibition on Giovan Battista Foggini, an architect and sculptor who played a leading role in late Baroque Florence.
The exhibit highlights his versatility and influence, with a collection of drawings, sculptures, and decorative works reflecting his connection to the powerful Medici family. If you're interested in discovering a lesser-known chapter of Florentine history—and the richness of Baroque art beyond the usual masters—this is the perfect opportunity to step into that world.

Every June 24th, Florence celebrates its patron saint, St. John the Baptist, with one of the city’s most beloved traditions. This vibrant holiday mixes sacred rituals with civic pride and festive entertainment, and it’s one of the best times to experience the soul of Florence. The day’s main event is the final match of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino, held in Piazza Santa Croce.
In this historic tournament, players from two of the city’s four neighbourhood teams—White (Santo Spirito), Red (Santa Maria Novella), Green (San Giovanni), and Blue (Santa Croce)—compete in a fierce, high-energy game that blends rugby, wrestling, and soccer. The match is preceded by a colourful Renaissance parade with drummers, flag throwers, and traditional costumes. This centuries-old tradition began in 1530, when Florentines held a game in defiance of the imperial siege by Charles V. Today, it remains a thrilling spectacle filled with passion, pride, and pageantry.
After the match, the celebration continues with the “Fochi di San Giovanni”—a spectacular fireworks display launched from Piazzale Michelangelo, visible across the city. Locals and visitors alike gather along the Arno River or in the city’s many scenic spots to watch the sky light up, marking the end of an unforgettable Florentine holiday.