One of Florence’s most precious pearls has been returned. Yesterday, February 2nd 2017, after four years of hard and committed work the Istituto, located in the Ospedale degli Innocenti, Hospital of the Innocents, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was restored to the town.
One of the highlights is the Museum, revived with a new exhibition and 22 works of art completely restored. Inaugurated on June 24th 2016, today the Museum finally has its magnificent façade and monumental cloisters returned to it. 12 million Euros were invested for this massive operation, nearly half of which from private donations.
Much dedication has been given to both the historical and artistic aspect of this remarkable building and its contents. There have been the additions of a hall dedicated to the twentieth century and a new exhibition within the gallery dedicated to the Andrea della Robbia’s baby reliefs as well as one to devotional art. In six months the Museum has received over 53,000 visitors.
The Bernardino Poccetti’s frecoes, decorating the central span of the outside arcade, have been carefully restored to former glory. So have the two internal cloisters, one for males, designed by Brunelleschi, and the other for females.
La Bottega dei Ragazzi, the Children’s’ Workshop, has been enlarged and is now accessible directly from the Museum’s Bookshop. Approximately 500 square metres restored between three rooms; one dedicated to children’s’ labs and activities for both families and students, a multifunctional hall dominated by Bernardino Poccetti’s fresco and a reception room.
First Open Day in the Children’s Workshop this Sunday, February 5th, from 11 am to 4 pm.
