Florence Art Restorer Tour

BASILICA SANTA MARIA MARIA NOVELLA

Discover some of Italy’s greatest works of art—and the artistic giants that created them—on a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the complex Santa Maria Novella. 

Together with a restorer as your guide, you will uncover the legend of architect and painter Giorgio Vasari, and uncover the making, meaning, and historic impact of his 1568 altarpiece ‘Resurrection of Christ’.

Located right in the heart of Florence, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany, and is home to some of the greatest art contributions from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Giotto, Duccio, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Masaccio, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Filippo Lippi, Paolo Uccello, Michelangelo, and Giorgio Vasari.

This tour will take you into the heart of Florence and into the fascinating world of art restoration.

WHAT MICHELANGELO CALLED ‘PAINTINGS FOR ETERNITY’

Witness the everlasting beauty of an ancient 500-year old technique known as ‘Pietre Dure’: an intricate and elaborate art form where semi-precious stones are cut and fitted seamlessly to create evocative and stunning art –from display pieces, to tabletops, to decorative objects, to grandiose mausoleums.

Select artisans continue the ancient trade today, with expert jewelers meticulously crafting “paintings for eternity” using the techniques and tools developed in the 16th century.

Learn all about this ancient artwork and experience the beauty, significance, and value that led the Medici to establish a court laboratory specializing in these highly sought-after mosaics and inlays. 

AN ANGELIC EXPERIENCE – ENCOUNTER ANGELICO

Discover the Museum of San Marco’s perfectly preserved 15th century frescoes in the company of a renowned conservator and art restorer.

Witness the art of “Blessed” Beato Angelico, the Dominican monk who painted the stunning frescoes in the former Convent of San Marco. Discover the famous “The Annunciation,” and learn the techniques and tools master restorers use to preserve historic masterpieces and bring them back to their original splendor.

Share your love of art history with one of the most sought-after professionals in conservation who’s worked firsthand on masterpieces in Florence’s most important museums and churches, as well as private art collections all over the world.

Experience the Museum of San Marco’s beautiful frescoes and stunning cloisters through an entirely unique lens. 

THE UFFIZI GALLERIES WITH A CONSERVATOR AND RESTORER OF PAINTINGS

Tread the halls of the Uffizi Gallery in the company of a leading expert in art restoration and conservation, and pull back the curtain on a little-known corner of the intricate and complex world of art.

One of Europe’s oldest museums and home to some of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance, including artworks by giants such as Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and Leonardo da Vinci, the Uffizi is the perfect setting to learn one-on-one from an expert about the process, complexity, and importance of art restoration and conservation. 

PITTI – GALLERIA PALATINA

Team up with one of Florence’s most sought-after experts in art restoration and conservation, and discover the Palatine Gallery with new expert eyes.

One of Florence’s greatest museums and art collections, the Palatine Gallery boasts hundreds of masterpieces and centuries of history, having been the home of powerful dynasties such as the Medici and Habsburg-Lorraine families.

Discover the secrets, techniques, and methods of art conservation, as well as the meaning of several iconic masterpieces, against the backdrop of the lavish palatial apartments of the Pitti Palace.

This enlightening and utterly unique experience will have you witnessing the masterpieces of Raphael and Caravaggio like you’ve never seen before.