Carsten Höller's Slides and Plant Lab at Palazzo Strozzi

Palazzo Strozzi in Florence announced The Florence Experiment, a site-specific project by German artist Carsten Höller in collaboration with plant neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso, running from April 19 to August 26, 2018. The project features two monumental intertwined slides descending from the upper loggia to the courtyard, reminiscent of a DNA double helix. Visitors can slide down carrying a plant, experiencing a 20-meter drop in seconds. After the slide, they enter the Strozzina underground spaces where scientists analyze photosynthetic parameters and volatile molecules from the plants, studying empathy between plants and humans. The Strozzina also hosts two cinema rooms: one showing comedy clips, the other horror films. Audience reactions produce different volatile chemical compounds that, via a tube system, influence the growth of wisteria plants on the facade. The facade will change weekly based on emotional impact. Curated by Arturo Galansino, the project follows Ai Weiwei's Reframe installation with 22 lifeboats. Palazzo Strozzi will also host Marina Abramović's first Italian retrospective starting September 21, 2018.