Florence Calling: The 1980s

From July 2 to September 20, 2026, MAD Murate Art District presents Florence Calling, a major exhibition exploring Florence's vibrant cultural scene of the 1980s—a decade in which the city emerged as one of Europe's leading creative hubs. Music, theatre, fashion, design, visual arts and new urban cultures came together to shape an innovative and internationally influential artistic landscape.

Curated by Bruno Casini, a key figure and firsthand witness of that era, together with Valentina Gensini, Director of MAD Murate Art District, the exhibition is part of the Estate Fiorentina 2026 programme.

Through archival materials, original documents, photographs, soundscapes, fashion, design objects and immersive installations, Florence Calling recreates the energy and experimental spirit of Florence's New Wave generation. Rather than a nostalgic retrospective, the exhibition connects past and present, inviting visitors to experience the creativity of the 1980s through immersive environments and contemporary artistic interventions that reinterpret the decade for new audiences.

The project also extends beyond MAD Murate Art District, activating a network of cultural venues across Florence with talks, special events and public programmes that expand the exhibition's narrative and highlight the lasting impact of this extraordinary cultural moment.