If you happen to be in Florence on March 8, the city marks International Women’s Day with a full program of special initiatives dedicated to women. The most popular perk? Free entry to many museums for female visitors, along with cultural events, workshops, exhibitions and performances happening throughout the city.
Before moving on…. the mimosa flower tree as seen above is traditionally associated here in Italy with International Women’s Day, it’s the reason why you will see sprigs of these flowers given to women on March 8 and why we include it in this post – our mimosa to all of you women reading this today!
Now, let’s take a look at some of the main things happening in Florence to celebrate the day.
Free museums for women in Florence
On March 8, women can enjoy free admission (subject to capacity limits) at many museums across Florence.
This includes all the Florentine Civic Museums, such as the Palazzo Vecchio Museum, Arnolfo Tower, the Santa Maria Novella complex, the Brancacci Chapel, Museo Novecento, the Stefano Bardini Museum, the Salvatore Romano Foundation and the Memorial of the Deportations. Entry is also free for women at Palazzo Medici Riccardi.
At Palazzo Vecchio and the Murate complex, special women-focused guided visits are also scheduled during the day.
Nature lovers can also take advantage of free entry to the Bardini Garden, one of Florence’s most beautiful panoramic gardens.
Free entry at major state museums
Several of Florence’s most famous state museums will also offer free admission for women, including:
- Galleria dell’Accademia
- Museo Nazionale del Bargello
- Museo delle Cappelle Medicee
- Orsanmichele
- Museo di Palazzo Davanzati
Visitors to the Accademia will also be able to admire a recently restored triptych by Spinello Aretino, depicting the Madonna and Child enthroned with angels and saints.
All museums belonging to the Uffizi Galleries will also offer free admission for women that day.
Other state-run cultural sites with free entry for women include the Museum of San Marco and the Cenacolo of Andrea del Sarto at San Salvi.
Some locations will remain closed, including the Cenacolo of Sant’Apollonia, the Chiostro dello Scalzo, and the National Archaeological Museum of Florence.
Free entry is also offered at several Medici villas and gardens, including the Villa Medicea della Petraia, the Garden of the Villa Medicea di Castello, Parco di Villa il Ventaglio and the Villa Medicea di Cerreto Guidi. At Cerreto Guidi, visitors can also see an exhibition dedicated to Nada Parri, an important figure in the Italian Resistance, along with guided tours focusing on the women of the Medici family.
Create your own perfume at Mercato Centrale
For something a little different, head to Mercato Centrale Firenze at 4:30 pm for a sensory workshop called “Top Notes, Heart Notes”, where participants can create their own personalized fragrance.
Perfume expert Elena Cesca from Via delle Spezie will guide participants through the art of perfumery, while also sharing the fascinating history of perfume in Florence — from its origins connected to Catherine de’ Medici to contemporary interpretations.
The experience costs €25 and includes the masterclass, the custom perfume you create to take home, and light refreshments from the artisans of Mercato Centrale. The workshop will take place with a minimum of 15 participants.
Artisans, fashion and performances celebrating women
Other events happening around Florence include a special exhibition at Galleria Bunker showcasing handmade ceramics created by women artisans from Sejnane, Tunisia. The works highlight a centuries-old craft tradition recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and proceeds from sales will support the artisans directly.
At Palazzo Spiga, the Associazione Tumori Toscana will host an afternoon of fashion and solidarity beginning at 5:30 pm. The event includes a runway show featuring volunteers and professionals from the association wearing unique pieces from the fashion house founded by Giuliacarla Cecchi, followed by a generous aperitivo. Funds raised will support the creation of a new oncology rehabilitation center in Florence.
Finally, at 6:00 pm at Il Conventino, the performance “Memorie, plurale femminile” by Lisa Capaccioli, accompanied by violinist Annalisa Garzia, will bring to life stories of women often overlooked in official historical narratives through a blend of storytelling and music.
Whether you’re planning to visit a museum, attend a cultural event, or simply enjoy the atmosphere around the city, March 8 is a great day to experience Florence while celebrating the contributions and stories of women past and present.
