A new exhibition titled "Firenze Déco. Atmosfere degli anni Venti" has opened at Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence, running until August 25, 2026. Curated by Lucia Mannini and promoted by Città Metropolitana di Firenze with Fondazione MUS.E, the show explores the creative explosion of the 1920s in Florence, focusing on decorative arts, fashion, graphic design, and manufacturing. It highlights figures such as Gio Ponti for Richard-Ginori, Galileo Chini, Thayaht, Ferragamo, and Gucci, tracing how the city absorbed influences from Paris and the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs to forge its own distinctive Deco style. The exhibition features ceramics, furniture, jewelry, costumes, and period photographs, and is accompanied by an interview with the curator.
This exhibition matters because it reframes Florence's role in the Art Deco movement, often overshadowed by Paris or Milan. By showcasing the city's unique blend of international influences and local craftsmanship—from limited-edition ceramics to futuristic furniture—it reveals how Florentine artists and manufacturers created a modern, functional aesthetic rooted in centuries of tradition. The show also underscores the importance of collaborations between artists and industry, such as Gio Ponti's work with Richard-Ginori, which laid the groundwork for Italy's later design system. For art historians and design enthusiasts, it offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal decade that shaped everyday life and continues to influence contemporary design.