Florence's Ex-Manifattura Tabacchi Transforms into Cultural Hub
The redevelopment of the former Manifattura Tabacchi in Florence, a 16-hectare site owned by CDP and overseen by Gruppo Aermont, is transforming it into a cultural hub. Concrete Architectural Associates has designed a masterplan that includes artist residencies curated by Sergio Risaliti, exhibition space Toast, makers' spaces, and events such as a DJ Gruff concert on December 20. Building B9, refurbished by Q-Bic, houses the Soul Kitchen café-pizzeria, Bulli&Balene bistrot, and Birrificio Valdarno Superiore, along with a biodynamic garden. Full completion is anticipated in three years. Teatro Puccini was transferred to the city in August for revitalization, with upcoming performances including 'Solo piano con donna #1' on December 20 and 'Pristol Hotel' on December 21. Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino is showcasing Puccini's Bohème until January 5 and Prokofiev's Cenerentola until January 4. The Parco delle Cascine features Visarno Arena and PARC, while Palazzina Indiano Arte became a creative space in 2018. Stazione Leopolda is set to host Pitti Immagine and will introduce 'testo. [come si diventa un libro]' from March 20-23, 2020.
Key facts
- Ex-Manifattura Tabacchi is a 16-hectare complex with 16 buildings and 100,000 sqm covered area.
- Masterplan by Concrete Architectural Associates.
- Artist residencies curated by Sergio Risaliti under project 'La meraviglia'.
- DJ Gruff concert on December 20, 2019.
- Building B9 renovated by Q-Bic includes Soul Kitchen, Bulli&Balene, Birrificio Valdarno Superiore, and biodynamic garden.
- Full opening expected in three years.
- Teatro Puccini ceded to Comune di Firenze in August 2019 as part of recovery plan.
- Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino opened in 2011 with Beethoven's Ninth conducted by Zubin Mehta.
- Parco delle Cascine covers 130 hectares along the Arno.
- Palazzina Indiano Arte became a creative space in 2018 under Virgilio Sieni.
- Stazione Leopolda hosts Pitti Immagine and Leopolda conference.
- Testo. [come si diventa un libro] event from March 20-23, 2020.
Entities
Artists
- Sergio Risaliti
- DJ Gruff
- Caterina Poggesi
- Oumoulkhairy Carroy
- Alfonso Castaldi
- Riccardo Rombi
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Zubin Mehta
- Paolo Desideri
- Giacomo Puccini
- Sergei Prokofiev
- Luigi Mulinelli
- Alessandro I de' Medici
- Virgilio Sieni
- Matteo Renzi
- Giuseppe Civati
Institutions
- CDP – Cassa Depositi e Prestiti
- Gruppo Aermont
- Concrete Architectural Associates
- Toast
- Q-Bic
- Soul Kitchen
- Bulli&Balene
- Birrificio Valdarno Superiore
- Manifattura Tabacchi SpA
- Comune di Firenze
- Teatro Puccini
- Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino
- ABDR
- Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
- Visarno Arena
- Firenze Rocks
- PARC – Performing Arts Research Centre
- Fabbrica Europa
- Palazzina Indiano Arte
- Stazione Leopolda
- Pitti Immagine
- Leopolda
- Artribune
- Pugi
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- via delle cascine 33-35
- via delle cascine 41
- piazza vittorio gui 1
- piazzale delle cascine
- piazzale dell’indiano
- via fratelli rosselli 5
- via doni 8
- Parco delle Cascine
- Arno