Florence celebrates the artist Giovanni Stradano (Jan van der Straet, Bruges 1523 – Florence 1605) with a unique exhibition at Palazzo Vecchio on the occasion of the fifth centenary of his birth. This exceptional event commemorates the life and work of Stradano, a Flemish painter who dedicated much of his career to the city of Florence, where he lived for eighty-two years.

The exhibition, titled “Giovanni Stradano in Florence 1523-2023. The Strangest and Most Beautiful Inventions of the World,” is held at the Museum of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence from November 17, 2023, to February 18, 2024. This extraordinary exhibition is promoted by the Municipality of Florence – World Heritage and UNESCO Relations Office and MUS.E, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. The scientific direction and general coordination are entrusted to Carlo Francini and Valentina Zucchi, while the exhibition is curated by Alessandra Baroni.

The exhibition features approximately eighty works, including paintings, drawings, prints, books, tapestries, and instruments, offering a unique perspective on Stradano, known as the principal collaborator of Giorgio Vasari in the decoration of Palazzo Vecchio.

Stradano, known for his skills as a portraitist, landscapist, and draftsman, was also a member of the Academy of Design from its foundation in 1563, as desired by Cosimo I de’ Medici. Vasari praised his artistic abilities, describing him as a master of drawing and invention.

The exhibition “Giovanni Stradano in Florence 1523-2023” offers visitors the opportunity to explore Stradano’s works in relation to the decoration of Palazzo Vecchio, including the apartments dedicated to the Earthly Gods, the rooms of Eleonora di Toledo, and the Studiolo of Francesco I. The works on display are also in dialogue with those that still adorn the palace today, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate Stradano’s creativity and originality.

The exhibition is divided into six sections along the museum route, where the works are displayed alongside Stradano’s paintings in Palazzo Vecchio. The exhibition also features loans from important international museums, including the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the Albertina Museum in Vienna, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

The educational part of the exhibition includes guided tours for young people and adults, artistic workshops for children and families, as well as educational opportunities for primary and secondary schools. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the work of Giovanni Stradano and the cultural history of Florence, celebrating an artist who left a significant mark on the decoration of Palazzo Vecchio and the history of Florentine art.