3 must-visit museums in Florence dedicated to fashion
It isn’t just art in the form of architecture, paintings and sculptures that Florence is known for. From the first high fashion show of Italy in 1951, to many famous Italian designers who have flourished worldwide, Florence is surely considered a fashionista destination when it comes to quality. Thanks to its clothing, textile and shoe industries, it’s no wonder that many fashion houses have their headquarters in Tuscany. Trust us – Milan, Paris, New York and London aren’t the only cities of fashion. If you’re on the hunt for a different form of art, Florence’s fashion museums will definitely deliver.
Salvatore Ferragamo Museum
Piazza di Santa Trinita, 5R
ferragamo.com
While Salvatore was not originally from Florence, when he returned to Italy in 1927 he decided to settle into the city of the Renaissance. Why? Because Florence was known for its craftsmanship, textile traditions and creativity. What better place for a fashion designer? Just footsteps from the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge you’ll find the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum where you’ll embark on a journey through the life of one of the most famous fashion designers and master shoemakers worldwide. Among the many sections of the museums you’ll find hundreds of Ferragamo’s favorite shoes on display – some even worn by some of the most famous international stars, from Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe. You’ll also learn about the history of Salvatore and the role he played in revolutionising and setting trends not just nationally but internationally.
The Museum of Costume and Fashion
Via della Rondinella, 2
uffizi.it
Formerly known as the Costume Gallery, this museum located within the Pitti Palace complex is the first Italian state museum dedicated to the history of fashion and its social importance. Founded in 1983, the museums’ rotating collection exhibits gowns, undergarments, jewels and different types of clothes spanning from the 18th century to today. The museum boasts over 6,000 pieces of attire, including outfits worn by national and international stars from famous films, theater performances and red carpets. From the funeral clothes of the Medici family to outfits designed by Aramani, Valentino and Versace, to name a few, get ready to dive into the world of high fashion.
Gucci Garden
Piazza della Signoria, 10
Gucci.Garden
Inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia, the famed Maison replaced the former Gucci Museum in 2018 with the inauguration of the Gucci Garden. Designed by creative director Alessandro Michele, the space houses a boutique with unique items, the Gucci Garden Galleria exhibition area curated by the critic Maria Luisa Frisa and the Gucci Osteria restaurant run by Massimo Bottura. The Galleria is spread on two floors and displays Gucci items that date back to Guccio Gucci’s Florentine origins and span all the way to the new visions of the brand – portraying advertisement campaigns, images and one-of-a-kind pieces.
