31st EDITION OF
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO
September 12/14, 2025
Acknowledgements
Fiorino d’Oro della Città di Firenze
MAM Prize (Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere) Supporter of Artistic Trades
Under the aegis of the
Ministry of Culture
Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the metropolitan city of Florence and the provinces of Pistoia and Prato
Ministry of Business and Made in Italy
Tuscany Region
Metropolitan City of Florence
Municipality of Florence
Fondazione CR Firenze
FAI Fund for the Italian Environment
ADSI Association Dimore Storiche Italiane
Friends of Florence
AACUPI Association of American College and University Programs in Italy.
ADI Toscana
Altagamma
Associazione Giardino Corsini
Acknowledgements
Fiorino d’Oro della Città di Firenze
MAM Prize (Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere) Supporter of Artistic Trades
Under the aegis of the
Ministry of Culture
Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the metropolitan city of Florence and the provinces of Pistoia and Prato
Ministry of Business and Made in Italy
Tuscany Region
Metropolitan City of Florence
Municipality of Florence
Fondazione CR Firenze
FAI Fund for the Italian Environment
ADSI Association Dimore Storiche Italiane
Friends of Florence
AACUPI Association of American College and University Programs in Italy.
ADI Toscana
Altagamma
Associazione Giardino Corsini
THREE DAYS DEDICATED TO CRAFTSMANSHIP
SEPTEMBER 12 - 13 - 14, 2025
Giardino Corsini, Florence
From Sept. 12 to 14, 2025 at the Corsini Garden in Florence, Italy, the exhibition ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO to solicit reflection on the “dimension of craftsmanship.”
The Florentine event-which has been celebrating creative talent for more than 30 years with an ever-changing selection of 100 Italian and European artisans ranging from historic to emerging workshops-has moved into exploring the links of craftsmanship with art, design and social issues through installations, exhibitions and multi-thematic encounters with the specific intention of creating an evolving worksite open to the public and exhibitors.
Photo © 2025 Michele Monasta
“Wearing Icons: when the accessory becomes a story.”
Bvlgari proudly participated as a Prince Show in the 31st edition of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO, an event that celebrates the excellence of craftsmanship as an art form and the tradition of Italian savoir-faire. Founded in Rome in 1884, Bvlgari is now considered one of the most iconic jewelers in the world, able to combine innovation and heritage, embracing new forms of luxury expression without ever relinquishing its identity. Each accessory is born from a meticulous manufacturing process, where savoir-faire, innovation and passion come together with rigor and inspiration.
An exploration of the Macro-craftsmenship.An invitation to rethink the value of “different”
curated by Cosimo Bonciani
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO hosted “MACRO,” an exhibition experience that redefines the boundaries of craftsmanship where some master artisans were invited to create a “MACRO” version of one of their works; a daring transformation that àlterates not only its dimensions, but more importantly its function. These works, while retaining their utilitỳ, take on new, unexpected identities̀, transforming themselves into objects that stimulate the imagination and invite us to reconsider the potential inherent in each artifact.
In the grand hallway of Palazzo Corsini, an unexpected presence introduces the visitor to a new order of magnitude: a pair of giant legs, dressed and shod with care, emerge from the vaulted ceiling and touch the ground. They are the legs of a macro-visitor, that symbolic creature that inhabits and traverses the “MACRO” exhibition, designed for those who dare to look beyond the usual measure of things.
The result is an immersive landscape in which matter, scale, and color tell a new aesthetic of craftsmanship, where the visitor is not merely observing, but is immersed in a language that challenges proportions and invites a reconsideration of the relationship between object, space, and gaze.
(At the end of the Exhibition – in a concrete logic of sustainability – the exhibit will be donated to the San Patrigano Community for the purpose of setting up the Archives. Thanks to Simone Begani Fine Arts Gallery)
Site-specific work by Edoardo Piermattei
“DELIZIA” is a pigmented concrete work designed for the Garden of Palazzo Corsini, where the aesthetic looks like that of a pastry shop, but underneath the icing is the weight of a class that represented power. “The work takes its cue from table triumphs, those ephemeral architectures that mixed sculpture, painting, architecture and haute patisserie: a dessert baroque designed to celebrate, with great theatricality, religious and political authority,” explains Edoardo Piermattei.
Sugar imported from America becomes the main material of Catholic propaganda: white, expensive and devout. And the egg, a central ingredient, also participates in this game of transformations. The basis of tempera before oil, in the triumphs it does not merely bind the painting: it swells, takes on volume, becomes ornament architecture. The meringue as cathedral model.
So Delizia takes concrete-gray, muscular, postwar, laden with virility-and treats it as if it were Chantilly cream: light, decorative, somewhat ridiculous. A very serious material that here becomes frivolous and silly at last.
A new format dedicated to artisanal food
For the first time, the food enterprises that focus on craftsmanship are brought together at the Scuderie of Palazzo Corsini.
For the XXXI edition ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO inaugurated the new section “Gourmet Craftsmen” dedicated to food companies that leverage craftsmanship and connection with the territory. The careful selection was conducted in collaboration with Mercato Centrale Firenze.
It’s no surprise that the exhibition continues to shine a spotlight on the culinary arts — as evidenced by the ongoing success of the popular afternoon event “Family Recipes” and the presence of highly curated exhibitors showcasing their traditional products. However, this marks the first time that food takes center stage in a dedicated section, joining the ranks of other disciplines where 100 master artisans from Italy and across Europe — including ceramicists, decorators, furniture makers, engravers, luthiers, sculptors, carpenters, jewelers, accessories designers, weavers, milliners, and more — highlight the contemporary dimension of craftsmanship.
FAMILY RECIPES
"La cucina di casa mia"
by Zenone Benini
In the spirit of rediscovery, this year’s edition of “Family Recipes” — curated by food and wine journalist Annamaria Tossani — is dedicated to the recipes of Zenone Benini (1902–1976, politician), collected by him in the book La cucina di casa mia (“My Home Cooking”). In it, he describes traditional Tuscan dishes with a simple, fluent, and uniquely personal writing style.
This rare and long-out-of-print book has been specially reissued for the occasion by Artigianato e Palazzo, in a limited edition of 250 copies, in collaboration with publisher Guido Tommasi.
Every day at 6 p.m. in the Giardinetto delle Rose, three historic Florentine restaurants will explore selected recipes and anecdotes from the book:
- Friday, September 12: Vini e Vecchi Sapori (celebrating 20 years)
- Saturday, September 13: Le Mossacce (celebrating 100 years)
- Sunday, September 14: Harry’s Bar
The chefs from each restaurant will present their own take on the classic Tuscan crostini, in conversation with Annamaria Tossani and journalist — and granddaughter of the author — Domitilla Benini. To conclude, guests will be invited to taste the creations served on exclusive hand-decorated porcelain plates from Bitossi Home’s “A Good Memory” collection, custom-made for “ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO 2025 – Family Recipes.”
The exhibition space for under 35 artisans
They communicate the regenerative force that comes fromopenness to change, the young artisans gathered in the new “Next Generation” space that ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO – which has always been attentive to emerging artists – reserves in the Manica Lunga of Palazzo Corsini.
Seven different stories, united by a shared desire to express creativity independently — life choices that go against the grain, often in natural settings, where ideas take shape through experimentation.
These stories reveal the intimate connection between nature and the artisan’s touch:
the olfactory landscapes of Zanini, by Giacomo and Filippo, who, after years working together in an office, chose a new path during a trip to Basel;
the furnishings by Filippo Mannucci, drawn to the transformative processes of materials after his experience at a shipyard;
the wooden works by Leonardo Cappellini, crafted from prunings or naturally fallen trees;
and the artistic ceramics of Flavia Lombardi Vallauri. Some start from tradition — even from family workshops — but give it a contemporary voice:
the scagliola inlays of Leonardo Bianchi; fabrics and design accessories by Simone Falli, created on a loom he designed himself; and the custom-made shoes by Bernardo Bartalesi.
With the support of Otto per Mille funds from the Waldensian Church.
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO’s focus on social work continues as it welcomes five social cooperatives and their workshops to the exhibition, which will have the opportunity at the show to display and sell their products while engaging the public with whorkshops and live demonstrations.
The initiative is part of the project “Handicrafts that unite, handicrafts that include” promoted by theCorsini Garden Association to create synergies between realities that use handicrafts as a tool for social inclusion, offering opportunities for meetings, training and sales.
Featured at the exhibition are:
- the San Patrignano Community, with its Hand Weaving Workshop run by 40 women;
- the Sant’Egidio Community, with its Art Workshops for people with disabilities;
- the Pantagruel Association, presenting the project “The Poetry of Dolls,” involving a group of women incarcerated in the Sollicciano prison (Florence);
- Talking Hands, which has transformed a design studio into a hub for social innovation, where refugees and asylum seekers work alongside professionals;
- Cartiera, which produces leather and fabric accessories by employing people from disadvantaged backgrounds, promoting a model of circular economy.
Gentucca Bini, Guendalina Cermel, Adelaide Corbetta, Viola Emaldi, and Clarice Pecori Giraldi—members of the Artigianato e Palazzo Steering Committee—will act as mentors, collaborating with representatives of the participating associations to support their presence at the exhibition.
Group exhibition
curated by Jean Blanchaert
Exhibition: “Italia nel cuore”
In collaboration with prestigious partners such as Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte,
OMA – Osservatorio dei Mestieri d'Arte, and Gruppo Editoriale
Starhotels reaffirms its presence at the 31st edition of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO with The Great Beauty — The Dream Factory, a contemporary patronage project that has promoted the excellence of Italian artistic craftsmanship since 2019. It was born from the vision of Elisabetta Fabri, President and CEO of the Florentine hotel group.
This Starhotels initiative, developed with exceptional partners such as Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte, OMA – Osservatorio dei Mestieri d’Arte, and Gruppo Editoriale, represents a tangible commitment to promoting Italian talent and that unique “Great Beauty” that defines our country.
During Artigianato e Palazzo, the project will feature new initiatives aimed at celebrating the encounter between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary vision, confirming Starhotels’ philosophy that sees high craftsmanship as a privileged source of inspiration for high-end hospitality.
Participation in the Florentine event testifies, once again, to the continuity of a path that combines the pursuit of excellence in creating unique experiences for guests with the desire to preserve and pass on the heritage of craftsmanship that makes Italy unique in the world.
At ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO, the project comes to life with “Italia nel cuore”, a special exhibition centered on the theme of the heart — rich in symbolism and cultural and figurative references — designed by Elica Studio, a renowned workshop led by Italian ceramic masters Carlo Pastore and Elisabetta Bovina, both recipients of the MAM – Master of Arts and Crafts award.
Over 50 heart-shaped sculptures from the “Hearts Held High” collection by Elica Studio are displayed throughout the Limonaia: small handcrafted sculptures delivering contemporary messages in a universal language. Each heart has its own rhythm, its own beat, its own meaning — a blend of irony and playfulness, frivolity and passion.
During the days of the exhibition, the project “Florence City of Restoration” will be presented, and several restorers will be present to show visitors various restoration techniques.
The Florence Chamber of Commerce, together with economic organizations (CNA, Confartigianato, LegaCoop, and Confindustria), is working on the project “Florence City of Restoration,” which aims to create a restoration district—an additional tool to help consolidate and grow this sector, which has a strong artisanal identity and an increasingly close synergy with other fields, from industry to research, making it of great interest to the global market.
Recently, all the public and private stakeholders involved in its development—starting with the Tuscany Region and the City of Florence—have signed a memorandum of understanding, a necessary step toward the formal and legal recognition of the Tuscan Restoration District.
The “Perseo Prize” is awarded to the exhibitor most appreciated by the public, while the “Giorgiana Corsini Prize” is assigned by the Steering Committee to the most beautiful stand. The winner receives a complimentary exhibition space at the following year’s event.
"Abbraccia la Loggia del Buontalenti"
Fundraising 2025
The fundraising campaign continues for the restoration of Palazzo Corsini’s architectural masterpiece, the 17th-century Buontalenti Loggia, officially classified as a protected monumental heritage site. Diagnostic assessments have already been carried out, paving the way for restoration and conservation work that will involve the Loggia, the Fountain, and the terrace above.
At ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO, the Buontalenti Loggia has always been a central meeting point—an agora for artisans, visitors, authorities, and institutions. In recent years, it has also become a stage for selected artists, chosen for their talent and generosity, who are given the unique opportunity to exhibit in an extraordinary setting where the ancient and contemporary merge.
Once the restoration is complete, the Giardino Corsini will be open to the public free of charge, as outlined in a formal agreement to be signed with the relevant authorities.
To support the “Embrace the Buontalenti Loggia” campaign, the organizers have enlisted Anglo-Norwegian artist Magnus Gjoen, who has created a limited-edition, collectible series of snow globes (Ø 10 cm), inspired by late Renaissance and Baroque motifs.
Contribute
Exhibitors 2025
Accessories
CRAZY ABOUT OLIVES
Rome
www.crazyaboutolives.com
LABORATORIO CARTIERA
Marzabotto (BO)
www.coopcartiera.it
STUDIO D’ARTE TESSILE
Catania
@melania.lavia
VESTITI D’ARTE
Milan
www.margaritaozerova.com
High gastronomy
ANTICO GRANAIO
Matera
@antico_granaio
ARÀ
Florence
@ara_esicilia
AZIENDA AGRICOLA GIOVANNI MOSCA
Riva del Garda (TN)
www.nosela.it
BAMBI TRIPPA E LAMPREDOTTO
Florence
www.bambitrippaelampredotto.it
BIANCHINI E BOCCONI
Campi Bisenzio (FI)
alfredomanigrasso@icloud.com
DE GUSTIBUS
Siculiana (AG)
www.degustibuspiro.it
DITTA ARTIGIANALE
Florence – Milan
@dittaartigianale
GELATERIA PASTICCERIA BADIANI
Florence
www.gelateriabadiani.it
MELA & NOCCIOLA
Marseille (Francia)
www.melaenocciola.com
PROCACCI 1885
Florence
www.procacci1885.it
TABLECLOTHS.IT
Prato
www.tablecloths.it
ZEN IO
Florence
www.zen-io.it
Table Art
LA COLOMBAROLA
Pieveottoville (PR)
@la_colombarola
MANIFATTURA DI COLLEBRUNACCHI – COLLEBI
San Miniato (PI)
www.collebi.it
BAMBOLE ASSOCIAZIONE PANTAGRUEL
Florence
www.asspantagruel.org
JEWELS WOOD
Udine
@jewels_wood
RATAFIÀ
Florence
@ratafia.firenze
Bicyles
GIOVANNI BARDO LAMI
Florence
@giovanni_bardo_lami
Jewellery
PHILIPPA KUNISCH JEWELLERY
London (U.K.)
philippakunisch.co.uk
VINCENZO SPANÒ
Scandicci (FI)
www.vincenzospano.com
Bronze
BRONZETTO
Florence
www.ilbronzetto.com
Hats
CREAZIONI SIMONETTA
Florence
@creazioni.simonetta
MAISON MADAME ILARY
Milan
www.madameilary.com
Paper mache
ALESSANDRA VARBELLA
Genova
varbeposta@gmail.com
Ceramics
ĖNDIADI
Perugia
www.endiadiceramic.com
FLVCERAMICA
Sesto Fiorentino (FI)
www.flvceramica.com
IL PAPAVERO DECORAZIONI
Empoli (FI)
www.ilpapaverodecorazioni.it
ELENA MILANI
Prata Camportaccio (SO)
www.elenamilani.net
POTTERY ROMA
Rome
www.potteryroma.com
KERSTIN RAUCH
Reggello (FI)
www.kerstinrauch.com
Furnishing
THE BRILLIANT TREES di Paolo Caravacci
Santa Luce (PI)
@the_brilliant_trees
FILIPPO MANNUCCI
Florence
@filippomannucci
Coral
ALESSIO SORRENTINO
Torre del Greco (NA)
www.alessiosorrentino.it
Leather
BOTTEGA CONTICELLI
Castel Giorgio (TR)
www.bottegaconticelli.it
Decoration
STEFANIA DEI ROSSI
Trieste
www.stefaniadeirossi.com
OLIMPIA BENINI
Montespertoli (FI)
www.olimpiabenini.com
ORIETTA FARINAZZO
Florence
@_oriettafarinazzo_
FRANCESCA GUICCIARDINI
Florence
www.francescaguicciardini.com
Design
SOAPUP
Bellinzago Novarese (NO)
www.soapup-italy.com
Felt and Weaving
THE LABORATORY OF PATRIZIA
Filottrano (AN)
www.illaboratoriodipatrizia.com
Paper flowers
CURIOSITÉ ARTISANALE
Venice
@curiosite_artisanale
Lighting
OLTREMONDANO
Montecchio Maggiore (VI)
www.oltremondano.com
Wood inlay
BIAGIO BARILE
Sorrento (NA)
www.barileintarsiosorrento.com
Hardstone inlay
ATELIER TERRE
Florence
www.atelierterre.it
Bookstore
BRAC BOOKSHOP
Florence
www.libreriabrac.net
Mosaic
GUGLIELMO MAZZIA
Imperia
@guglielmomazzia
Art objects
ASSOCIAZIONE TRISOMIA 21 APS
Florence
www.at21.it
Goldsmith
BUTTERFLY
Catania
@butter_fly_jewellery
CIRILLA
Reggio Emilia
@cirilla_assemblage
CŌDICEDS
Rome
www.codiceds.com
GIANMARIA DONINI
Manerbio (BS)
@doninigianmaria
GIOIELLI DONATI
Montebelluna (TV)
www.gioiellidonati.it
DÖRTHE LÜTKEMEYER SCHMUCKDESIGN
Montespertoli (FI)
www.schmuck.studio
JOY-JO
Milan
@joyjo_jewelry
MARINA CALAMAI
Florence
www.marinacalamai.com
MATUTA
Rome
@matutagioielli
Painting
COMUNITÀ DI SANT’EGIDIO FIRENZE
Florence
www.santegidio.org
SONYA HOTKO ART
Fiesole (FI)
www.sonyahotkoart.com
Duvet
DENMARK – DANISH DOWN FLOATS
Florence
www.piuminidanesi.com
Porcelain
FORELI STUDIO
Formigine (MO)
www.foreli.it
JHA PORCELAIN
Florence
www.jhaporcelain.com
STEFANIA ZAGLI
Florence
www.stefaniazagli.it
Fragrances
DOLOMITE OFFICINALS
Feltre (BL)
www.dolomite.bio
MONASTERO SANTA MARIA DELLA NEVE E SAN DOMENICO
Pratovecchio Stia (AR)
www.shop.monasterodomenicane.org
ZANINI
Prato
www.zanini.xyz
Embroidery
ARTE RICAMI MACCHI
Pisa
macchim24@gmail.com
SANJAR NAZAROV
Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
@embroideries_by_sanjar
Tailoring
TALKING HANDS
Treviso
www.talking-hands.it
Scagliola
LEONARDO BIANCHI
Pontassieve (FI)
www.biancobianchi.com
Custom Shoes
BERNARDO BESPOKE SHOES
Florence
www.bernardobespokeshoes.it
Streetfood
FIRENZEN
@firenzenasianfoodexperience
GUSTO LAB
@gustolab_foodtruck
NECCIAO
@necciaio
NURA
@nuraindianfood
TUSCANY FOOD
www.tuscany-food.it
Upholstery
LINOLEUM GOMMA ZANAGA
Florence
@linoleumgommazanaga
Textiles
CASA D’ARTE – COMUNITÀ DI SAN PATRIGNANO
Coriano (RN)
casadarte.sanpatrignano.org
NATHUERAL
Giustenice (SV)
www.nathueral.com
OZIO SMALL TEXTILE STUDIO
Certaldo (FI)
www.oziopiccolostudiotessile.it
C’ERA UN TESSUTO DI ELISABETTA SCIPIONI
Farfa (RI)
www.cerauntessuto.it
Marbled Fabrics
CARPE DIEM HAND MARBLING
carpediemhandmarbling.wordpress.com
Wood Turning
LEOWOODART
Florence
www.leonardocappelliniwoodart.com
Glass
GIUSEPPE ARCOFORA
www.anticaofficinadelvetro-bruschi.com
CARMELO BRUSCHI
Florence
www.anticaofficinadelvetro-bruschi.com
Wicker and straw
INTRECCI VEGETALI
San Casciano Val di Pesa (FI)
@intreccivegetali
MARTINI
Florence
www.martiniimpagliaturasedie.it
INTRECCIO VIVO
Mogliano (MC)
@intrecciovivo
Plant nursery
VIVAI BELFIORE
Lastra a Signa (FI)
www.vivaibelfiore.it
Supporters and Partners 2025
