routes / In town
Contemporary Art in Pistoia
Between art venues and open-air sculpture works
Pistoia
The tour which we are about to begin is rich in the wonders of contemporary art that embellish Pistoia, which today we can appreciate from an unusual and unique point of view.
The city of Pistoia joins the ancient charm of the old town with a taste for contemporary art, that is not only expressed in museums but even in the open air.
Stages Itinerary
Piazza della Sala
Pistoia
stage 1
Piazza della Sala
This was the city’s ancient centre under Lombard rule. The square later went on to assume and consolidate its commercial function. In the Piazza dell’Ortaggio, standing next to the Piazza della Sala, we can see a very unusual bronze sculpture, the “Giro del Sole” by Roberto Barni.
Palazzo Comunale
Pistoia
stage 2
Palazzo Comunale
The Town Hall is the ancient seat of government of the city maintains this function still today.
Inside is the Civic Museum of Antique Art that presents Pistoia’s entire artistic history from the 13th to the 20th century. In the Town Hall stands the sculpture by the eclectic artist, Marino Marini, “Il Miracolo”, "The Miracle". This work is of a rider with his horse and can be seen to be in line with the intensive dramas which characterize the contemporary art of this Pistoia artist.
Palazzo Buontalenti
Pistoia
stage 3
Palazzo Buontalenti
Palazzo Buontalenti - an emblematic example of 16th century Florentine architecture - represents another step towards appreciating contemporary art in Pistoia. It is run by the Fondazione Pistoia Musei and was set up to stage temporary artistic events on an international scale and with particular attention paid to modern and contemporary art.
Palazzo Fabroni Museum of 20th-century and contemporary art
Pistoia
stage 4
Palazzo Fabroni Museum of 20th-century and contemporary art
Whoever is interested in the art which ranges from the 1920's to the present day must not fail to visit the Museo del Novecento e del Contemporaneo di Palazzo Fabroni which offers a permanent collection of contemporary art in Pistoia. There are three floors to be visited and they exhibit paintings and sculptures using the many styles and techniques of conceptual, minimal and poor art, as well as visual poetry and photography.
