From June 24 to October 16, 2026, Forte Belvedere returns as one of Florence’s most evocative cultural destinations, bringing together contemporary art, live music, talks, guided visits and panoramic views over the city.
Now presented under the name Belvedere Firenze, the Medici complex will host a rich multidisciplinary programme designed to transform the historic fortress into an open-air cultural hub. With more than 30 events scheduled throughout the season, visitors can experience exhibitions, concerts, conversations and cultural mediation activities across the Palazzina, the terraces and the outdoor spaces of Forte Belvedere.
Four months of art, music and culture at Forte Belvedere
The 2026 season marks a new chapter for one of Florence’s most iconic panoramic sites. Promoted by the Municipality of Florence and organised by Fondazione MUS.E, Belvedere Firenze is conceived as a place where heritage and contemporary culture meet, offering both locals and visitors a new way to experience the fortress throughout the summer and early autumn.
Contemporary art: Drama: Four Acts
At the heart of the season is Drama: Four Acts, an exhibition project conceived and curated by Sergio Risaliti. The programme unfolds in stages, beginning on June 24 with God Year, a solo exhibition by Paolo Canevari on the first floor of the Palazzina.
One of the most internationally recognised Italian artists of his generation, Canevari works across drawing, video, sculpture, installation and performance. His practice often uses everyday objects and recognisable symbols to question ideologies, religious beliefs, political narratives and the myths of progress and social happiness.
From July 16, the second act will introduce Marino Marini, one of the leading Italian artists of the 20th century, with a selection of bronze sculptures presented under the title No Heroes. In September, the project will continue with Oscuro Abbagliante, a site-specific intervention by Norwegian artist Per Barclay. A sound installation by Friedrich Andreoni, placed on the bastion overlooking Florence, will complete the exhibition route.
Forte in Musica: live music at Belvedere Firenze
Music will play a central role in the season with Forte in Musica, a programme of concerts and live performances accompanying the summer months at Forte Belvedere.
The programme opens on June 24 with Monica Salmaso, one of the most refined voices on the contemporary Brazilian music scene, joined by Teco Cardoso and Nelson Ayres. The calendar continues with Francesco Cangi & Masneo on July 1, DJ Barta on July 3, Daniele di Bonaventura and Peo Alfonsi on July 8, and Riccardo Tesi, one of the key figures of European world music, on July 15.
Other highlights include Don Antonio on July 22, Michela Lombardi on July 29, Alta Madera on August 5, Glenn Ferris and Giulio Stracciati on August 26, Petra Magoni & Ottolini on September 2, Free Shots on September 9 in collaboration with Firenze Jazz Festival, Giulia Galliani and Gal on September 11, Etna Calling on September 23, Tiziano Mazzoni on September 30 with a tribute to Bob Dylan, and Cecchini Funky with Soul Check on October 7.
Talks and cultural encounters
The cultural programme also includes L’attualità del bello, a series of talks dedicated to contemporary issues through conversations with journalists, writers, scholars, artists and leading voices from the cultural scene.
Guests include Venanzio Postiglione, deputy editor of Corriere della Sera and editor of Sette; Fra Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan theologian and one of the most authoritative voices in the debate on artificial intelligence ethics; actor and voice actor Luca Ward; writer Nicoletta Verna; journalist Matteo Pucciarelli; cultural writer Cristina Dell’Acqua; Claudio Cerasa, editor of Il Foglio; demographer Alessandra Minello; psychiatrist and essayist Vittorio Lingiardi; journalist and TV host Serena Bortone; and economic journalist Mariangela Pira.
Guided tours and panoramic café
Guided visits will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5pm and 6.30pm, offering visitors the chance to discover both Forte Belvedere and the exhibition. The tours will explore the history and architecture of the fortress, including special areas such as the gun emplacements and the treasure room, while also introducing the works of Paolo Canevari, Marino Marini and Per Barclay as the exhibition unfolds throughout the season.
The season is completed by the panoramic café at Belvedere Firenze, open to visitors as a place to pause, meet and enjoy one of the most beautiful views over Florence. Access to the café and to events hosted on the terraces is free for everyone through a dedicated route.
Practical information
Dates: June 24 – October 16, 2026
Museum opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–8pm. Last entrance at 7pm. Closed on Mondays.
Café opening hours: Tuesday, 10am–8pm; Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–11pm. Last entrance 30 minutes before closing.
Concerts and talks: 8.30pm in July and August, 7.30pm in September, and 6.30pm in October.
Tickets: admission to Forte Belvedere is free for residents of the Metropolitan City of Florence. For other visitors, tickets cost €8 full price and €5 reduced. Guided tours and cultural activities cost €8 full price or €4 reduced, in addition to the entrance ticket.
Info and bookings: [email protected] or +39 055 0541450. The full programme of concerts, talks and activities is available on belvederefirenze.it.
