Street Art
Street art in Florence showcases an incredible array of talent. While the city is famous for its Renaissance masterpieces, Florence’s artistic expression extends beyond its historic galleries. The captivating works of Michelangelo and Botticelli draw visitors in. Recently, Florence has experienced a lively revival of creativity, with its streets transforming into a canvas for a new generation of artists.
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In addition to the grandeur of the Uffizi and the Accademia, Florence features a contemporary art scene that is equally captivating. From striking murals to detailed stencils, street art has revitalized the city’s urban landscape, infusing it with color and energy. As you stroll through Florence’s historic center, stay alert for surprises—you may encounter a compelling message in plain view or a breathtaking artwork that challenges your perspective.
Wander Through the City
One of my favorite spots in Florence is Via Calzaiuoli, the main street near the Mercato del Porcellino (the Bronze Pig) and the Zara clothing store. Along this street, artists create vivid chalk drawings on the pavement. These talented individuals can be found huddled over their artwork for hours, earning only a few euros for their efforts. Unfortunately, the beautiful designs they create during the day vanish at night when street cleaners come through.
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Stop and Take in the Beauty
Additionally, some art can be found on the rolling metal shutters of shops. It’s unfortunate that when these shutters are opened, the art is obscured. A similar phenomenon occurs in Lucca, where the painted Puccini doors adorn the historic center along San Paliono.
Have you ever noticed Florence’s street signs with a playful twist? Perhaps there’s a fish swimming in a bowl or a depiction of David carrying the white bar of the “No through traffic” sign. These clever designs are the work of renowned street artist Clet Abraham, who is arguably the most famous living artist in the city today. Florence is filled with road and traffic signs that he has whimsically transformed, addressing themes from religion to work ethic, along with fun and humorous elements. It’s delightful to snap photos of these pieces—I have quite a collection!
The Statues
Finally, along with the artwork found near the Uffizi Gallery, you’ll encounter numerous street performers. Often dressed as characters ranging from Roman guards to Dante, these performers add a lively atmosphere to the surroundings. One amusing figure we spotted on Valentine’s Day was a Cupid, who entertained passersby for about two weeks, playfully winking at everyone. I definitely consider this street art as well! Gary enjoyed tossing him a few coins.
Tag @ouritalianjourney on Facebook or @italianjourney on Instagram with your artistic discoveries. We’d love to see what you find in Florence!
In Conclusion
This post features just a glimpse of the amazing street art that Florence has to offer. Next time we update this post, we hope to include images of street art displayed on electrical boxes and other structures. Remember the saying: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?”
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in September 2017 and updated in September 2024 to ensure accuracy and provide additional information.
