A 20th-Century Surprise in a Renaissance City

At a Glance

Museo del Novecento on Piazza Santa Maria Novella opened June 2014, Florence's dedicated museum of 20th-century Italian art. The building is the former Leopoldine charity hospital, extended by Michelozzo in the 15th century.

Renaissance Shell, 20th-Century Core

Florence amassed 20th-century works from 1941 onward. Natalini Architetti preserved the Renaissance exterior while cleaning the interior to white galleries.

Must-See

• Ottone Rosai Florentine Expressionism.
• De Chirico's Piazza d'Italia series.
• Marino Marini horse sculptures.
• Lucio Fontana's cut canvases.
• Alberto Burri's post-war abstracts.

Visiting Tips

Right outside Santa Maria Novella station. €9.50. 1.5–2 hours. Closed Tuesdays. Pair with Museo Marino Marini.