Recently, I stumbled upon two hidden gems: one featured on Instagram by the Opera di Santa Croce about St. Francis, and the other highlighted in an email from the incredible art historian, Alexandra Lawrence.
Both sparks of interest led me to venture out, since they were just a short walk across my bridge, Ponte delle Grazie, and relatively close to each other…off I went!
Women of the Sky (“Donne del Cielo”)
From Muses to Scientists
♦ When Alexandra Lawrence mentioned this exhibit, it piqued my curiosity not only because it was at a venue I had never explored but also due to my appreciation for her extensive knowledge and recommendations.
Her insights led me to add this thing to my “must-visit” list!
“I was wandering the other day when I unexpectedly found a small exhibition at the Biblioteca Nazionale called Donne del cielo: Da muse a scienziate (Women of the Sky: From Muses to Scientists), which focuses on the contributions of women in astronomy and examines representations of female figures in the cosmos from the Renaissance to the early 20th century.”
– Alexandra Lawrence
I had never set foot in the impressive Biblioteca Nazionale before, but Alexandra’s recommendation urged me to go!
And I must say, it was truly worthwhile. I found myself with the lovely opportunity to enjoy this captivating exhibit in solitude.
Located in the elegant Sala Dante, the exhibit titled “Women of the Sky” is highlighted as:
“…the first exhibition in Italy to celebrate the role of women in astronomical research and explore the recurring imagery of women from the Renaissance to the early 20th century.”
The exhibit guides visitors chronologically through the centuries, revealing the historical roles of women as both muses and influential scientists in astronomy, many of which are little known yet significant.
This includes the challenges and obstacles faced by women in the scientific community (which were significant!).
♥ Featured items include: original manuscripts, song lyrics, artifacts, letters, telescopes and instruments (including Galileo’s telescope), stunning embroidered canvases, and more…
♦ Visit Biblioteca Nazionale
Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1
Firenze FI, Italy
Exhibit Dates:
March 8 – June 8, 2024
Free
♦ The other hidden treasure was highlighted on Instagram by the Opera di Santa Croce. Interestingly, during my regular walks, I often pass by this shrine that commemorates Saint Francis’ arrival in Florence in 1211.
I always pause and reflect as I walk in his footsteps, over 800 years later… (and legend has it that the Basilica of Santa Croce was founded by St. Francis himself).
♦ The post I saw discussed a recent initiative to enhance the green space of Santa Croce:
“A delightful place to reconnect with Nature and appreciate the gifts of Creation. The Garden of San Francesco, which has just been inaugurated behind the Basilica of Santa Croce, is open to all for free visits. This garden contains over two hundred plant species and some uncultivated areas where wild plants and flowers can flourish freely. Francesco’s garden is part of the “The Seed of the Common Good” project, developed through a collaboration between the Opera di Santa Croce, the Community of the Conventual Friars Minor, and @abocait, along with @progettovaltiberina, enhancing the experience of visiting the entire complex. This green space, situated in the historic center of Florence, provides insight into the ancient Franciscan tradition and serves as a meditation space for pilgrims and hikers embarking on the ancient Via di Francesco in Tuscany.”
♥ A lovely, tranquil oasis for meditation in the heart of Florence…
Explore their Instagram post:
Instagram Link
Both of these experiences are free and pleasantly uncrowded, yes, free and UNCROWDED!
♥ This beautiful quote from Pope Francis, displayed in the “Women of the Sky” exhibition, perfectly aligns with this post…
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