Palazzo Strozzi
Palace Renaissance palace in Florence hosting cultural exhibitions
In Florence, Palazzo Strozzi presents Renaissance architecture around a broad courtyard and hosts major temporary exhibitions. Visitors come for the building and its rotating cultural shows.
Palazzo Strozzi is a Renaissance palace in central Florence, Italy, built for the Strozzi family. Construction began in 1489 and the building is noted for its rusticated stone facade and large central courtyard.
The palace contains a large open courtyard and extensive exhibition spaces that are used for rotating international and national art shows, design exhibitions and cultural programming. Its scale and location near other historic sites make it a regular stop for visitors interested in Renaissance architecture and temporary exhibitions.
Commissioned by Filippo Strozzi in the late 15th century, the palace was built over several decades and has passed through different uses while retaining its original exterior form. In the 20th and 21st centuries it has been restored and repurposed as a major exhibition venue.
The building occupies Piazza Strozzi in the historic centre of Florence, within walking distance of the Duomo and other principal landmarks of the city.
- Founding date: Construction was begun in 1489 for the Strozzi banking family and the palace is a prominent example of Florentine Renaissance urban architecture.
- Exhibitions: The palace regularly hosts major temporary art and cultural exhibitions drawing contemporary international curators and loans.
What to See #
- Central courtyard: A large rusticated stone courtyard dating from the original Renaissance construction, used for temporary installations and visible from the surrounding streets.
- Exhibition galleries: Ground and upper-floor exhibition spaces that host international temporary shows of art, design and history, programmed by the Palazzo Strozzi cultural organisation.
How to Get to Palazzo Strozzi #
Palazzo Strozzi sits in Florence’s historic centre a short walk from major landmarks: it’s about a 10-15 minute (≈1 km) walk east from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station and only a few minutes on foot from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Many city buses stop nearby, but the site is easiest reached on foot from the central station or any nearby tram/bus stop in the historic core.
Tips for Visiting Palazzo Strozzi #
- Book a timed ticket in advance and aim for a weekday morning or late afternoon slot to avoid the busiest museum crowds in central Florence.
- Enter from Piazza Strozzi and spend time in the central Renaissance courtyard-many visitors rush inside and miss the courtyard installations and the Strozzina contemporary exhibition spaces that often run alongside the main shows.
- Check the current exhibition schedule on the Palazzo Strozzi website before you go; combining a major temporary exhibition with a quieter visit to the palace rooms gives a better experience than just viewing the façade.
Best Time to Visit Palazzo Strozzi #
For Palazzo Strozzi, plan weekday mornings in shoulder or off-peak months to avoid exhibition crowds and queues.
Weather & Climate near Palazzo Strozzi #
Palazzo Strozzi's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (827 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.