A year of events in celebration of Gucci’s 90th anniversary will culminate with the official public opening of the GUCCI MUSEO inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia located in Florence’s Piazza Signoria.
A permanent exhibition from its rich and culturally significant archive, which has been preserved and amplified throughout the years, will be juxtaposed with contemporary art installations supported by the Pinault Foundation. An icon store, bookshop, caffè and gift shop complement the exhibition spaces to create a destination location for visitors.
The GUCCI MUSEO is divided into different thematic rooms inspired by the House’s iconic motifs and symbols.
The ground floor hosts the Gucci Caffè, a meeting space that not only welcomes visitors into the museum, but also provides a new and attractive gathering place for Florentines and visitors to the city alike.
In the spirit of today’s connected age, visitors may take advantage of a social area for a coffee or to go online using the museum’s wireless network.
In the adjacent space there is the bookstore, which will be managed in conjunction with Rizzoli, now coming to Florence adding to its other existing locations in New York, London and Milan. Thanks to this partnership, the GUCCI MUSEO will be offering publications for enthusiasts of art, fashion, photography and architecture, through a curated selection of contemporary and vintage works.
In the same space, a gift shop will offer the chance to purchase exclusive collectible items including iPhone and iPad cases, scented candles, bookmarks, totes, postcards, luxury stationery and chocolates all with the GUCCI MUSEO trademark.
Nearby, the Icon Store will offer the possibility to purchase from the exclusive Icon Collection of unique editions, including bags such as the New Jackie, the New Bamboo as well as the horsebit moccasin, the Flora scarf, all designed by Giannini with exclusive colors and detailing especially for the GUCCI MUSEO.
Design: Frida Giannini, Studio 10
Destination: Florence, Italy
Year: 2011
Partners: Cassina, Modar, Viabizzuno
Photos: Richard Bryant & Gucci
Text: Francesca Cantieri
GUCCI MUSEO Opening Hours
Museum 10.00 -20.00
Icon Store 10.00 – 20.00
Bookstore & Caffè 10.00 – 23.00
The GUCCI MUSEO will open to the public and remain permanently open throughout the year from September 28, 2011.
Admission is 6 Euros with 50% of each ticket sale benefitting a fund to help the City of Florence preserve and restore the city’s signature art treasures.
For more information, email guccimuseo@it.gucci.com or call (39) 055 29 00 17, Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm CET.
Looks gorgeous will have to pop in when I’m there in June!