The Project
"If Florence is the cradle of artistic craftsmanship, the ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO exhibition is its chicest showcase." - ELLE, September 2025
The Project
"If Florence is the cradle of artistic craftsmanship, the ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO exhibition is its chicest showcase."
- ELLE, September 2025
The Project
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO was founded in Florence in 1995 from an idea by Neri Torrigiani, promoted by Giorgiana Corsini, with the aim of preserving and promoting high craftsmanship, the value of the handmade, and the art of detail.
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO
already from its name, wants to recall and highlight the strong social relevance of the artisan, whose workshop once thrived around the Palace, intended as a “showcase” and a place for experimentation. This allowed for a continuous exchange with patrons from all walks of life and offered the craftsman the opportunity to benefit from a direct relationship with the populace as the holder of social aesthetics.
The Exhibition, while sinking its assumptions in the furrow of the oldest artisan tradition, aims to highlight the contemporary nature of craftsmanship in order to enhance its figure, work and role in the cultural and commercial context, as a high expression of quality and technique.
Crafts and Palace brings together and presents a new selection of artisans each year and is produced by the Giardino Corsini Association, of which Sabina Corsini is now president.
Mostra Principe
Among these we remember:
Bulgari, Consorzio Il Cappello di Firenze, Consorzio Vera Pelle italiana conciata al vegetale, Devon&Devon, Enrico Magnani Pescia, Fabriano, Giusto Manetti Battiloro, Gucci, Il Bisonte, Il Sigaro Toscano, Laguna B, Loretta Caponi, Les Ateliers des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Opera del Duomo di Firenze, Opificio delle Pietre Dure di Firenze, Richard Ginori, Roberto Capucci, Vacheron Constantin…
Guest artists
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DUCCIO MARIA GAMBI
Protagonist of the 2018 edition is Florentine designer Duccio Maria Gambi, who has returned to Italy after an exciting stint abroad.
The organizers of ARTISAN AND PALACE have decided on the occasion to produce no. 20 works in pigmented cement and pieces of Ginori porcelain revisited according to his creative sensibility, poised between art, craft, design and contemporary artistic gesture. displayed under the Buontalenti Loggia of Palazzo Corsini.
Browse the MUSEO catalog with an introductory text by Silvana Annichiarico, director of the Triennale Design Museum in Milan.
Learn about the2018 edition.
SIMAFRA
Protagonist of the 2019 edition is Florentine artist Riccardo Prosperi, aka “Simafra.”
The organizers of ARTISAN AND PALACE have decided on the occasion to produce no. 10 sculptures of varying diameters (indicatively from 25 to 50 cm.) that transform the idea of the folkloristic Russian matryoshka into concentric terrestrial globes in which the “geological eras” are represented by materials actually traceable in Siberian mines: gold, malachite, diamonds, coal, gas…
In addition to this, the artist created a large monumental installation – designed for the Corsini Garden exclusively during the days of the Exhibition – and No. 100 small multiples produced by Il Bronzetto.
Browse the MADRE/TERRA catalog with an introductory text by Natalia Parenko, director of the Florence branch of the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts.
Learn about the2019 edition.
NICOLA TOFFOLINI
Protagonist of the 2020 edition is Friulian artist Nicola Toffolini, a draftsman and sculptor.
The organizers of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO decided for the occasion to produce 10 works on paper inspired by Giambologna’s work at the Fountain of Fata Morgana.
Browse the MEDUSA SOURCE catalog (link) with an introductory text by Antonio Natali, former director of the Uffizi Gallery.
Learn about the2020 edition.
MAGNUS GJOEN
Protagonist of the 2023 edition is Anglo-Norwegian artist Magnus Gjoen-among other things a guest designer at the Meissen Manufactory-who challenges the very concept of beauty with his work, overlapping different styles and allusions, combining them with the aesthetics of street art and pop art.
The organizers of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO decided for the occasion to produce a limited series of No. 250 collectible “snowballs” of inspired by late Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Learn about the2023 edition.
DANIELE GIANNETTI
Protagonist of the 2023 edition is ceramic designer Daniele Giannetti.
The organizers of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO decided for the occasion to host his terracotta sculptures, created entirely by hand, without the use of tools or preparatory sketches, in the Scuderie di Palazzo Corsini. Each sculpture is uniquely structured and formed, showcasing the versatility and beauty of glazed terracotta in a process guided solely by the clay and the primary connection to the material.
Learn about the2023 edition.
EDOARDO PIERMATTEI
Protagonist of the 2025 edition is Piedmontese artist Edoardo Piermattei, sculptor.
The organizers of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO decided for the occasion to produce a site-specific pigmented concrete work designed for the garden of Palazzo Corsini and set up in the center of the grand boulevard.
The aesthetics of the work harkens back to that of a pastry shop, but “underneath the icing you can feel the weight of a class that has represented power.”
Piermattei 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.
Learn about the2025 edition and the DELIGHT section with an introductory text by Alberto Salvadori, director of the ICA Foundation.
Family Recipes
The side events held during the exhibition include ‘Ricette di Famiglia’ (‘Family Recipes’), an innovative format to highlight gastronomic craftsmanship with the intention of enhancing the strong link between today’s culinary culture and that of ancient family recipes, traditional knowledge and flavours.
Family Recipes
It is an idea that also involves the culinary arts with the goal of highlighting and promoting the close link between contemporary food culture and that of old family recipes and traditional wisdom. It involves daily encounters dedicated to Italy’s food culture. As the guests talk, famous chefs offer their versions of a number of “old” recipes from a contemporary standpoint, preparing them in front of an ever-larger and curious audience. “Family Recipes” is a “satellite” event of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO that was created in 2014 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the exhibition.
10 years of BLOGS & CRAFTS.
The contest “BLOGS & CRAFTS Young Artisans and the Web”, started in 2014 during the ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO twentieth anniversary, is the result of “A&P YOUNG 2010: young artisans and fashion” experience, created for Florens 2010 – International Week of Cultural and Environmental Heritage. The competition aim is to relaunch the exhibition in a more interesting perspective for the new generations, looking into the future and at the importance of the tradition and innovation union.
BLOGS & CRAFTS
Each year, a special jury selects a minimum of 10 under 35 artisans, inviting them at the exhibition for free and providing a specific show area entirely dedicated.
Each year, a special jury selects a minimum of 10 under 35 artisans, inviting them at the exhibition for free and providing a specific show area entirely dedicated.
At the same time, a group of influencers, operating in craftsmanship, lifestyle, fashion and tourism sectors, is selected and hosted in Florence to show all the exhibition details and specific features on their social media account.
From 2021 the young artisans selection has been extended to all the European countries, in collaboration with the World Crafts Council Europe.
Fund Raising
The Associazione Giardino Corsini organizes every year from 2018 a fundraising campaign to promote the Florentine cultural heritage. The fundraising is open to the public and the sponsoring businesses.
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO FOR THE MUSEO DI DOCCIA
In 2018, the campaign “ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO FOR THE MUSEO DI DOCCIA” raised 50.000 euros to enable the reopening of the Manifattura Richard Ginori Porcelain Museum in Doccia. The funds have been used for the restoration of several statues of the collection thanks to the support of Amici di Doccia Association.
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO: MEMORIES OF RUSSIA IN FLORENCE
For the 25th edition, in 2019, the campaign “ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO: MEMORIES OF RUSSIA IN FLORENCE” was dedicated to the urgent restoration and preservation of some of the works of art dear to the Russian community which, throughout the 19th century and early 20 century embellished Florence with residences, churches and artistic collections. The funds raised (40.000 euros) were donated to the three subjects involved: the Evangelical Cemetery agli Allori, the Church of the Nativity of Christ and Saint Nicholas the Thaumaturge and the Stibbert Museum.
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO: GIAMBOLOGNA AND MORGAN LE FAY
raised 30,000 euros in 2020 and in 2021. The sum in favor of the monumental complex of the “Fonte della Fata Morgana” in Bagno a Ripoli made it possible to make the cast of the statue originally made by Giambologna, to be relocated in the place for which it was designed. The rest of the amount will contribute to the restoration of the entire complex of the “Fonte della Fata Morgana”, also known by the locals as “Casina delle Fate”.
The Prizes
To generate maximum public interest and provide incentive to the artisans to offer live demonstrations of how they work and reveal special techniques and secrets, a number of prizes are awarded.
“PREMIO PERSEO” e il “PREMIO GIORGIANA CORSINI”.
The Perseo-Prize is awarded each year to the artisan preferred by the public, who can express their preference during the four days of the event. The Perseo-Prize is awarded each year to the artisan preferred by the public, who can express their preference during the four days of the event.
In 2012, to promote creativity in the staging of exhibitor spaces, the exhibition’s international Organizing Committee created this prize which it awards to the exhibitor who designs the most beautiful and appropriate stand.
Prize winner is awarded the opportunity to exhibit at the Exhibition the following year free of charge
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO can count on the invaluable collaboration of a prestigious Promotion Committee that works alongside the exhibit organizers in selecting artisans and popularizing and promoting traditional skills—the forerunners of today’s Made in Italy quality—throughout the world.
Stefano Aluffi Pentini art historian, founder and director of A Private View of Italy – A Private View of Europe, Roma
Gentucca Bini designer, Milan
Jean Blanchaert gallery owner, art and craft expert, Milano
Benedikt Bolza architect, Perugia
Marcantonio Brandolini d’Adda artisan entrepreneur, Venezia
Fausto Calderai art evaluator, Firenze
Nicolò Castellini Baldissera interior designer, Milano
Chiara Stella Cattana craftswoman entrepreneur, Venezia
Guendalina Cermel brand strategist and lecturer in circular design, Rome
Adelaide Corbetta founder adicorbetta, president The Circle Italia, Milan, Italy
Matteo Corvino scenographer and interior designer, Venezia/Parigi/New York
Maria de’ Peverelli Luschi membro del Consiglio di Indirizzo della Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi di Firenze, Londra/Zurigo
Costantino D’Orazio storico dell’arte e saggista, Roma
Viola Emaldi storica dell’arte e curatrice di progetti espositivi – Faenza / Londra
Elisabetta Fabri imprenditrice, Firenze
Maria Sole Ferragamo artigiana imprenditrice, Firenze
Drusilla Foer artista, Firenze
Barnaba Fornasetti imprenditore, Milano
Bona Frescobaldi entrepreneur, honorary president of CORRI LA VITA Onlus, Florence
Alessandra Galtrucco arredatrice, Londra
Francesa Guicciardini decoratrice, Firenze
Alvar Gonzales Palacios storico dell’arte, studioso di arti applicate, scrittore, Roma
Ferruccio Laviani architetto, Milano
Federico Marchetti imprenditore, fondatore di Yoox Net-A-Porter-Group, Milano
Alessia Margiotta Broglio Communications and Strategic Advisory Consultant AMB Consulenze di Comunicazione, Milano
Martino di Napoli Rampolla fondatore e direttore creativo Numeroventi, Firenze
Carlo Orsi antiquarian, president of the Associazione Amici di Brera, Milan
Beatrice Paolozzi Strozzi storica dell’arte, già Direttrice Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Firenze
Clarice Pecori Giraldi Founder CPG Art Advisory, Milan
Natalie Rucellai Communication Director Rocco Forte Hotels, Milan/Rome/Florence
Maria Shollenbarger giornalista, Los Angeles
Guido Taroni fotografo, Milano
Simone Todorow direttore Mondo Mostre, Roma/Firenze
Acknowledgements, Sponsorships, Collaborations, Overseas Editions, Supporters
Acknowledgements
Medal of the President of the Republic of Italy
Fiorino d’Oro della Città di Firenze
MAM Prize (Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere) Supporter of Artistic Trades
Under the aegis of the
Medal of the President of the Republic
Fiorino d’Oro of the City of Florence
MAM Supporters of Art Trades Award
Representation in Italy of the European Community
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Business and Made in Italy
Ministry of Productive Activities
Ministry of Economic Development
Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio
for the metropolitan city of Florence and the provinces of Pistoia and Prato
Tuscany Region
Province of Florence/Metropolitan City of Florence
City of Florence
City of Bagno a Ripoli
City of Sesto Fiorentino
Fondazione CR Firenze
Camera di Commercio di Firenze
Italo-Russian Chamber of Commerce
Confindustria Russia
GIM Unimpresa
Italian Business Council in Russia
Italian Embassy in Moscow
Embasssy of the Russian Federation in Italy
QUEST Queen Elizabeth Scolarship Trust
Opificio delle Pietre Dure
Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi
Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
IED European Institute of Design Florence
WCCE World Crafts Council Europe
ADSI – Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane
Associazione Amici dei Musei
Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi
Friends of Florence
ADI Toscana
Collaborations
The multifaceted approach typical of ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO and the desire to bring craftsmanship to seemingly distant contexts has resulted in a wide variety of initiatives over the years by collaborating with the following entities:
AACUPI – Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze – Archivio di Stato di Firenze – Artex Centro per l’Artigianato Artistico e Tradizionale della Toscana – Associazione Amici degli Allori – Associazione Amici di Doccia – Associazione Città Nascosta – Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane ADSI – Associazione Disegno Industriale ADI – Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro AIRC – Cantieri Goldonetta – Centro Ricerca, Produzione e Didattica Musicale “Tempo Reale” – Chelsea Fringe – Chiesa Russa Ortodossa di Firenze – CNR / Ibimet – Comune di Firenze, Assessorato alle Attività Produttive – Consorzio Il Cappello di Firenze – Fabbrica Toscana del Fumetto – Firenze Convention&Visitors Bureau – Florens 2010 / Settimana Internazionale dei Beni Culturali ed Ambientali – Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte – Fondazione del Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino – Fondazione delle Arti e dei Mestieri di Milano – Fondazione di Firenze per l’Artigianato Artistico – Fondazione Fabbrica Europa – Fondazione Ferragamo – Fondazione Fratelli Alinari – Italia in Giappone – Fondazione Nando and Elsa Peretti – Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi – Fondazione Roberto Capucci – Fondazione Sistema Toscana – Friends of Florence – Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti, Firenze – Istituto Europeo di Design IED – Istituto di Cultura Italiana di Los Angeles – Istituto Statale d’Arte di Firenze – Fornaci Storiche di Impruneta – ME Métiers d’Excellence LVMH – Mediateca Toscana / Film Commission – Michelangelo Foundation – Ministero degli Esteri “Anno della Cultura Italiana negli Stati Uniti” – Museo della Ceramica di Montelupo – Museo dell’Intreccio e della Paglia di Signa – Museo della Specola, Firenze – Museo di Doccia, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) – Museo Horne, Firenze – Museo Stibbert – Opera del Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore – Opificio delle Pietre Dure di Firenze – Osservatorio dei Mestieri OMA – Otto per Mille Valdese – Provincia di Firenze, Assessorato alle Attività Produttive – Queen Elizabeth Scolarship Trust QEST – Scuola del Cuoio di Firenze – Smith College in Florence – Soprintendenza Archivistica per la Toscana – Source Self Made Design – Starhotels – Tuscany for Weddings / Divisione di Firenze Convention & Visitors Bureau – Università degli Studi di Firenze – World Crafts Council Europe WCCE
Overseas editions
Presenza in Giappone per “Italia in Giappone”
(September 23-October 10, 2001)
ARTISANATO E PALAZZO is the only project chosen to represent Italian craftsmanship for “Italy in Japan 2001” with two exhibitions in Tokyo and Osaka involving more than 40 artisans.
Presence in France for “ArtisansPassion”
(April 5/8, 2002)
ARTISANATO E PALAZZO is the only project chosen to represent Italian craftsmanship for “Artisans Passion” with an exhibition in Paris involving more than 24 artisans.
Presence in USA for “Year of Italian Culture”
(Feb. 22-March 20, 2013)
ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO is the only project chosen to represent Italian craftsmanship for “Year of Italian Culture” with the exhibition “Hats on Film” at the Institute of Italian Culture in Los Angeles – in collaboration with Consorzio Il Cappello di Firenze, Mediateca Toscana / Film Commission, Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti di Firenze, Fondazione Fratelli Alinari, Museo dell’Intreccio e della Paglia di Signa – which involved more than 19 artisan companies.
