Florence Biennale 2025 – Italy
Background and History
The Florence Biennale, founded in 1997, is a leading international exhibition of contemporary art and design, held biennially in Florence, Italy, the cradle of the Renaissance. Organized by Arte Studio Srl SB, the 15th edition in 2025 showcases over 500 artists and designers from around the world, fostering dialogue on contemporary aesthetics.
The theme, “The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness: Concepts of Dualism and Unity in Contemporary Art and Design,” explores archetypal contrasts through diverse media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art. Directed by Jacopo Celona and curated by a global committee, the Biennale awards the prestigious Lorenzo il Magnifico Awards, celebrating artistic excellence and innovation.
Event Highlights
The 15th Florence Biennale, running from October 18 to October 26, 2025 (closed October 20), offers a rich program at Fortezza da Basso, featuring:
- Exhibitions: Over 500 artists and designers display works in the Spadolini and Cavaniglia Pavilions, curated to reflect the theme of light and darkness.
- Opening Ceremony: October 18, 11 AM, Spadolini Pavilion. A reserved event with institutional representatives, artists, and guest speakers.
- Performances:
- Elisabetta Amoruso (Italy), October 18, 3 PM: The (a)Mend – La (r)Ammenda, exploring dualism through the Fallen Angel narrative.
- Yue Tang (China), October 18, 4 PM: Performance details forthcoming.
- Keyuan Zhang (China), October 18, 4:30 PM: Performance details forthcoming.
- Culpdid Dance Company (USA), October 18, 5 PM: Performance details forthcoming.
- Euihyun Seol (South Korea), October 18, 6 PM: Strange Place, a contemporary experimental performance blending reality and fiction.
- Fina Ferrara (Mexico), October 18, 7 PM: Performance details forthcoming.
- Talks and Conferences: Discussions with artists, curators, and critics on the theme of dualism, held daily in the Spadolini Pavilion.
- Awards Ceremony: October 25, presenting the Lorenzo il Magnifico Awards for categories like painting, sculpture, and design, plus Lifetime Achievement Awards.
- Special Initiatives: Workshops, artist meet-and-greets, and guided tours of the exhibition itinerary, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity.
Dates and Duration
- Dates: October 18 – October 26, 2025 (closed Monday, October 20)
- Duration: 8 days
Main Address
- Primary Venue: Fortezza da Basso, Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
- Organizing Secretariat: Arte Studio Srl SB, Viale Giuseppe Mazzini 13, 50132 Firenze FI, Italy
All Venues
The Biennale is centralized at Fortezza da Basso, with all events in:
- Spadolini Pavilion: Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy. Hosts main exhibitions, opening ceremony, talks, and performances.
- Cavaniglia Pavilion: Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy. Features additional exhibition spaces for artworks and design.
Contact Information
- Phone: +39 055 3249173 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM)
- Email: info@florencebiennale.org (general inquiries), media@florencebiennale.org (press)
- Website: www.florencebiennale.org
- Tourist Info: www.firenzeturismo.it
- Social Media:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/florencebiennale
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/florencebiennale
Ticket Information
- Pricing:
- Full (Open): $22.00 (€20). Valid for one entry on any day.
- Fixed-Date Full: $15.40 (€14). Valid for one entry on a chosen day, non-refundable.
- Reduced: $9.90 (€9). For students (18–25, with ID), taxi receipt holders (codes 4390/4242), groups of 10+ (with booking).
- Youth (Ages 11–18): $6.60 (€6). Valid for one entry, non-refundable.
- Free Entry: $0.00 (€0). For children under 10 (with an adult), visitors with disabilities plus one caregiver, accredited journalists, group leaders (10+), or complimentary ticket holders.
- Weekdays Pass (October 22–24): $22.00 (€20). One entry per day for one person.
- First Weekend Pass (October 18–19): $22.00 (€20). One entry per day for one person.
- Last Weekend Pass (October 25–26): $22.00 (€20). One entry per day for one person.
- Full Exhibition Pass: $55.00 (€50). One entry per day for all days.
- Art Lovers Pass: $110.00 (€100). Full access, includes the official catalogue and personalized shopper.
- How to Purchase:
- Online: Available via www.florencebiennale.org or www.ticketone.it, recommended to minimize wait times.
- In-Person: At Fortezza da Basso ticket office (Spadolini Pavilion, open daily 10 AM–7 PM, closes 6 PM on October 26). Reduced and youth tickets are available on-site only with documentation.
- Notes:
- Tickets and passes are non-refundable if unused or partially used.
- Last entry is one hour before closing (7 PM daily, 6 PM on October 26).
- Restrictions: No large bags, food/drinks, flash photography, tripods, or touching artworks. Small pets must be in carriers; service dogs are welcome.
Cultural Experience
The Florence Biennale transforms Fortezza da Basso into a global stage for contemporary art and design, set in Florence’s Renaissance heart. The theme “The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness” inspires works exploring dualism and unity, from paintings to immersive installations. Performances like Strange Place and The (a)Mend blend art with movement, while talks with artists and curators deepen engagement. Florence’s historic backdrop—near landmarks like the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery—enhances the experience, inviting visitors to explore the city’s artistic legacy between events.
Food and Drinks
Florence’s Tuscan cuisine complements the Biennale:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Grilled T-bone steak (~$33). Try at Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina, 2R, 50123 Firenze FI).
- Ribollita: Hearty vegetable and bread soup (~$8.80). Available at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori (Via dei Magazzini, 3R, 50122 Firenze FI).
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Wide pasta with wild boar sauce (~$11). Enjoy at Trattoria La Casalinga (Via dei Michelozzi, 9R, 50125 Firenze FI).
- Gelato: Pistachio or fior di latte (~$3.30). Visit Gelateria La Carraia (Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25R, 50124 Firenze FI).
- Chianti Wine: (~$5.50–$11/glass). Available at Enoteca Alessi (Via delle Oche, 27R, 50122 Firenze FI).
Family and Accessibility
- Family-Friendly: Free entry for children under 10 (with adult) and youth tickets ($6.60) for ages 11–18 make the Biennale accessible. Interactive performances and workshops engage younger visitors, though the content is art-focused.
- Accessibility: Fortezza da Basso’s Spadolini and Cavaniglia Pavilions are wheelchair-accessible on the ground floor. Free entry for visitors with disabilities and one caregiver. Contact info@florencebiennale.org for accommodations.
Getting There
- By Air: Florence Peretola Airport (FLR, 8 km, ~$22 taxi or $6.60 bus to Santa Maria Novella). Alternatively, fly to Pisa (PSA, 80 km, ~$88 taxi or $11 train to Florence).
- By Train: Firenze Santa Maria Novella, served by Trenitalia, is 5–10 minutes from Fortezza da Basso ($5.50 taxi or 10-minute walk). High-speed trains from Rome (~1.5 hr, $22) or Milan (~2 hr, $33) connect to Florence.
- By Car: A1 Motorway to Firenze. Park near Fortezza da Basso (~$2.20–$5.50/day). Florence’s center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), so check restrictions.
- By Public Transport: From Santa Maria Novella, take bus Line C1 to Fortezza da Basso (5 min, $1.65) or walk (10 min).
- On Foot: Fortezza da Basso is a 10-minute walk from central landmarks like Piazza del Duomo.
Program Overview
The 2025 program, updated regularly at www.florencebiennale.org, includes:
- October 18:
- 10 AM: Media Preview (Spadolini Pavilion, press only).
- 11 AM: Opening Ceremony (Spadolini Pavilion, reserved).
- 2 PM: Public Opening (Spadolini Pavilion).
- 3–7 PM: Performances by Elisabetta Amoruso, Yue Tang, Keyuan Zhang, Culpdid Dance Company, Euihyun Seol, and Fina Ferrara.
- October 19, 21–26: Open 10 AM–8 PM (7 PM on October 26). Daily exhibitions, talks, and workshops in Spadolini and Cavaniglia Pavilions.
- October 20: Closed.
- October 25: Lorenzo il Magnifico Awards Ceremony, honoring outstanding artists and designers.
- Daily: Guided tours, artist meet-and-greets, and conferences on dualism in art and design.
Notable Features
- Theme: “The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness” inspires innovative works exploring contrast and unity.
- Lorenzo il Magnifico Awards: Recognizes excellence in multiple art and design categories.
- Global Participation: Over 500 artists from diverse backgrounds, fostering international dialogue.
- Florence’s Legacy: The Renaissance setting enhances the contemporary art focus, bridging past and present.
Accommodation Tips
- Hotel Brunelleschi: Piazza Santa Elisabetta, 3, 50122 Firenze FI (~$165–$330/night). Luxurious, 5-minute walk to Fortezza.
- Hotel Pendini: Via degli Strozzi, 2, 50123 Firenze FI (~$88–$165/night). Central, near festival venues.
- B&B La Dimora degli Angeli: Via de’ Brunelleschi, 4, 50123 Firenze FI (~$66–$110/night). Budget-friendly, close to Fortezza. Book early, as Florence fills during the Biennale. Check www.firenzeturismo.it for packages.
Planning Assistance
- Event Recommendations: Attend the opening ceremony (if accredited) or performances on October 18 for a vibrant start. The Awards Ceremony (October 25) is a highlight. Explore exhibitions daily for a full art immersion.
- Navigating Tickets: The Art Lovers Pass ($110) offers full access, catalogue and shopper, ideal for enthusiasts. Weekdays or Weekend Passes ($22) suit shorter visits. Book online to avoid queues.
- Exploring Florence: Visit the Uffizi Gallery or Ponte Vecchio between events, just 15 minutes from Fortezza. Enjoy an aperitivo in Oltrarno post-Biennale.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the Florence Biennale 2025?
A 8-day international exhibition of contemporary art and design, October 18–26, 2025, themed “The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness,” held at Fortezza da Basso.
Where is the main venue?
Fortezza da Basso, Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy, with events in Spadolini and Cavaniglia Pavilions.
How much are tickets?
Single-day tickets range from $6.60–$22.00 (€6–€20), passes from $22.00–$110.00 (€20–€100). Free for kids under 10 and visitors with disabilities.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, with free entry for children under 10 and youth tickets ($6.60) for ages 11–18. Performances and workshops engage younger visitors.
How do I get to Florence?
Fly to Florence (FLR, 8 km, $6.60 bus) or Pisa (PSA, 80 km, $11 train). From Firenze Santa Maria Novella, walk (10 min) or take bus C1 ($1.65) to Fortezza.