Museo degli Innocenti Opens in Florence with Restored Robbia Putti

In Florence, the Museo degli Innocenti has been inaugurated within the historic Spedale degli Innocenti, the first orphanage in Europe, crafted by Filippo Brunelleschi from 1419 to 1427. This museum emerged from a redevelopment initiative by Ipostudio Architetti, under the direction of Carlo Terpolilli. Curators Stefano Filipponi and Eleonora Mazzocchi have organized the exhibits into three thematic areas: history, architecture, and art, with a clear visitor pathway and a double street entrance. The collection includes 80 artworks from renowned artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. A notable feature is a temporary display of ten putti by Andrea della Robbia, restored by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. Over its six-century history, the Istituto degli Innocenti has cared for approximately 500,000 children. The museum encompasses 4,900 square meters, including monumental courtyards and the 1,300-square-meter Salone Brunelleschi, and offers barrier-free access, educational programs, event spaces, a café, and a bookshop, welcoming visitors daily.