Archive for 'Museums & Galleries'

The Palatine Gallery is one of the many prestigious and fascinating museums located in the stunning Palazzo Pitti in Florence. A private royal collection that was opened to the public by the House of Lorraine in 1828, set within the incredible and luxurious stage of the palace itself and in the order in which they were accumulated by the families over the years, with works in their original frames, it offers a truly unique gallery experience. For art-lovers who have found a vacation rental in Florence, it is truly a must-see art experience in the city.

Of course, there are some particular highlights and these are our picks and favourites among them.

Roberto Benigni's 1997 Oscar-winning masterpiece, “La Vita è Bella” (“Life is Beautiful”), is an incredibly famous movie that is set during WWII and tells the story of a Jewish Italian man named Guido Orefice, who meets and falls in love with the beautiful Dora and they have a son, Giosue, together.

Their incredibly ideal and happy family life is turned upside when Guido and Giosue are separated from Dora and are taken to a concentration camp. While there, in order to shelter his son from the horrors of his surroundings, Guido weaves an elaborate story that their time in the camp is merely a game. Filmed across several sets, the centrepiece of the beginning of the film, however, is the lovely Tuscan city of Arezzo.

So, if you're a fan of the movie and are thinking of holidaying in Tuscany, just browse our vacation rentals in Arezzo and get planning a trip!

If you want to experience the work of Monet, you're likely to plan a trip to France. However, one of the best introductions to that famous and great artist currently available in the world is actually in Florence. “Monet Experience and the Impressionists” is a new Crossmedia Group production that is a virtual and experience-based journey of images and sounds. The exhibition immerses viewers into the works of that legendary 19th century artist, taking his works beyond the canvas into a 360° environment, projected across huge screens, the architectural elements of the Church of Santo Stefano al Ponte and VR headsets and accompanies them with a combination of narration and music.

This immersive experience is a whole new way to appreciate the art of Monet and the Impressionists and is a must-see for any art-lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning a visit to the city before the 1st of May 2018.

The Gucci Museum in Florence was recently reopened on the 10th of January 2018, under the vision of Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s current creative director, under whom the brand has been given new life and relevance. Located inside the Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence's Piazza Signoria that dates to 1337, the Gucci Museum has been open since 2011 and is spread across several floors.

It encompasses a boutique that stocks exclusive pieces, an exhibition curated by Maria Luisa Frisa and the Gucci Osteria, which is manned by the three-Michelin-starred chef, Massimo Bottura. This restaurant, alone, is reason enough to find a luxury villa in Florence and drop by the museum.

During the summer, I was incredibly sad to find the Gucci Museum in Florence closed on my one day in the city. The whole building – museum, store and cafe – was under construction and closed for a relatively long period of time; if I had done my research properly, I would have known. Yet, it was all for a good reason! Said construction has resulted in an impossibly beautiful building that is a must-see for any fashion lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence!

On the 10th of January 2018, under the vision of Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s creative director, the museum reopened. Located inside the Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence's Piazza Signoria that dates to 1337, the Gucci Museum has been open since 2011 and is spread across several floors. Now called the Gucci Garden, it encompasses a boutique that stocks exclusive pieces, an exhibition curated by Maria Luisa Frisa, a rather special gift shop and the Gucci Osteria, which is manned by the three-Michelin-starred chef, Massimo Bottura.