Florence to Host Major Retrospective on Renaissance Master Fra Angelico

Florence is set to host a landmark exhibition dedicated to Fra Angelico, marking the city's first major retrospective of the Renaissance master in over seven decades. From September 26, 2025, to January 25, 2026, the dual-venue showcase at Palazzo Strozzi and the Museo di San Marco will feature over 140 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts, many reunited for the first time in centuries.

The "Fra Angelico" exhibition not only celebrates the artistic genius of one of the 15th century's most influential painters but also underscores Florence's commitment to preserving and revitalizing its rich cultural heritage. Through extensive restoration efforts and international collaboration, this event offers a rare opportunity to experience the depth and evolution of Fra Angelico's work within the very spaces that inspired him.

Exhibition Venues

The exhibition will be held across two significant venues:

• Palazzo Strozzi: A Renaissance palace that serves as a prominent exhibition space in Florence.

• Museo di San Marco: A former Dominican convent where Fra Angelico lived and worked. The museum houses the highest concentration of his works, including the renowned frescoes adorning the monks' cells.

This dual-venue approach offers a unique opportunity to experience Fra Angelico's art in both a traditional museum setting and the very environment where he created many of his masterpieces.

Curatorial Team and Goals

The exhibition is curated by Carl Brandon Strehlke, Curator Emeritus of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with contributions from Stefano Casciu and Angelo Tartuferi for the Museo di San Marco. It aims to explore Fra Angelico's artistic development and influence, highlighting his interactions with contemporaries like Lorenzo Monaco, Masaccio, Filippo Lippi, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Michelozzo, and Luca della Robbia.

Born Guido di Pietro around 1395 in Vicchio di Mugello, Fra Angelico, also known as Fra Giovanni da Fiesole, was a Dominican friar and painter who became a pivotal figure in early Renaissance art. His work is renowned for its harmonious blend of late Gothic traditions and emerging Renaissance principles, particularly his mastery of perspective and light. His paintings often reflect a profound religious devotion, emphasizing the sacred in relation to the human experience.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition is the culmination of over four years of preparation, including an extensive campaign of restorations. Notably, it will reunite altarpieces that were disassembled and dispersed over two centuries ago, providing visitors with a rare chance to view these works as they were originally intended.

For those planning to attend, the exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours until 11:00 PM on Thursdays. The Museo di San Marco will be open daily from 8:30 AM to 1:50 PM, closed on Mondays. Tickets can be purchased online, and it's recommended to do so in advance to ensure direct access and minimize waiting times.

Cultural Significance

This exhibition not only celebrates Fra Angelico's artistic achievements but also underscores Florence's commitment to preserving and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. By bringing together works from around the world and restoring fragmented pieces, the exhibition fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Renaissance art. It also highlights the collaborative efforts between international institutions to honor and preserve historical art for future generations.

This exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the works of Fra Angelico, providing insights into his artistic journey and the broader context of Renaissance art.