Simone D'Auria's WOW Installation Lights Up Gallery Hotel Art in Florence

For the fourth consecutive year, the Gallery Hotel Art in Florence, part of the Ferragamo family's Lungarno Collection, presents a large-scale artistic installation on its facade. The project aims to revitalize the small square of Vicolo dell'Oro, near Ponte Vecchio, while promoting contemporary art in the city. This year's protagonist is Bergamo-born artist and designer Simone D'Auria, who has been creating facade installations for the hotel since 2013. Previous works include giant bicycles (2013), a line of chrome mannequins evoking Florentine historical figures (2014), and enormous spoons referencing Expo themes and designer Bruno Munari (2015). The 2016 edition, titled WOW, focuses on renewable energy. Until December 31, the hotel wall is covered with giant pinwheels, and a large red three-dimensional WOW sign in the square invites public interaction through photos and selfies. A retrospective exhibition inside the hotel, in collaboration with Leica, showcases 12 photographs and designer objects from all editions. Additionally, The Fusion Bar & Restaurant offers a creative menu developed by D'Auria and Michelin-starred Executive Chef Peter Brunel.