14 Best Performing Arts Venues in Florence, Italy

This magnificent Art Deco theater, opened in 1922, has been transformed into a versatile cultural space with a bookstore, movie theater, and restaurant–bar. More than 25,000 books (there's an English-language section) fill the marble entrance and expansive ground floor. The upper galleries, with plush velvet theater chairs, are good places to take a break from sightseeing during the day and to watch international films in their original languages at night. A hidden restaurant and bar to the right of the entrance stays open after midnight (when the movies finish) and is a cozy setting for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks; its attached Piazza degli Strozzi patio is a popular aperitivo spot.

Also known as the Amici del Fortepiano (Friends of the Fortepiano), the Accademia Bartolomeo Cristofori sponsors fortepiano concerts throughout the year.

This organization sponsors classical and contemporary concerts at the Teatro della Pergola, Conservatorio "Luigi Cherubini," and Teatro Niccolini.

The British Institute of Florence runs English-language events; the programmer has a penchant for classic movies and the institute sometimes screens films. Also on offer here are weekly lectures, concerts, and a stunning library.

From June through August, Estate Fiesolana, a festival of theater, music, dance, and film, takes place in Fiesole's churches and in the Roman amphitheater—demonstrating that the ancient Romans knew a thing or two about acoustics.

On June 24, Florence mostly grinds to a halt for celebrations honoring the city's patron saint. Many shops and bars close, and, at night, a fireworks display lights up the Arno and attracts thousands.

This weeklong documentary film festival happens in November or December with screenings at various venues around town.

The daily Florentine newspaper La Nazione has movie listings. Note that most American films are dubbed into Italian rather than subtitled.

The landmark Parco della Musica (Music Park) complex, designed by Paolo Desideri and associates, is the home of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. You can purchase tickets for its symphony performances and operas directly at the box office, by phone or online.

This orchestra performs various classical music concerts (many of them free) throughout the year at churches, villas, and museums. Past performances have filled Orsanmichele, the Bargello, and Santo Spirito Church with the orchestra's music.

The concert season of the Orchestra della Toscana runs from November to June.

On Easter Sunday, Florentines and foreigners alike flock to the Piazza del Duomo to watch as the Scoppio del Carro, a monstrosity of a carriage pulled by two huge oxen decorated for the occasion, arrives in the piazza after making its way through the city center. Using an elaborate wiring system, an object representing a dove is sent from inside the cathedral to the Baptistery across the way. The dove sets off an explosion of fireworks that come streaming from the carriage. You have to see it to believe it.

This large exhibition space, formerly Tuscany Hall, hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts by visiting rock stars, performances by lesser-known bands from across Europe, and a large art market.

From mid-October to mid-April, see Italian plays at this 1656 theater, which was once the private venue of the grand dukes and which has undergone several metamorphoses. Its present incarnation dates from the early 19th century.