International House-Museums Days: openings in Florence and province on

International House-Museums Days: Florence opens its doors (18-19 April 2026)

On 18 and 19 April 2026, numerous house-museums in Florence and the surrounding area will take part in the International House-Museums Days: two days of special access to residences, studios and birthplaces that tell the stories of important historical, artistic and literary figures.

The initiative brings together a wide range of sites, from small artists' studios to grand villas, offering free admission or guided visits—often by reservation. The event forms part of a national and international network counting over 400 participating sites.

Highlights in Florence and nearby

• Casa Museo Franco e Lidia Luciani – free guided tours of a private collection of Macchiaioli paintings (open 18 and 19 April).
• Museo del Ciclismo Gino Bartali – free entry and guided tours on 18 April featuring the history of the bicycle and memorabilia from the champion.
• Villa La Pietra (NYU) – guided tours in the morning and afternoon on 18 April; reservation required, tours in Italian and English.
• Fondazione Spadolini - Villa "Il Tondo dei Cipressi" – guided visit on Saturday 18 April to the historic home and its collections.
• Piero Bargellini's Studio – guided visit on Sunday 19 April at 17:00 led by family members; booking required.
• Other openings in the province – including Leonardo's birthplace in Anchiano (Vinci), the Giovanni Boccaccio House-Museum in Certaldo Alto, and the Enrico Caruso House-Museum in Lastra a Signa, among others.

Practical information

Reservations: book in advance where required. The national Houses of Memory portal lists participating sites and booking procedures. Some visits are limited in number.

Timings: opening times vary by venue; some offer morning and afternoon slots, others special openings on different days (some sites may open on 20 April).

Visitor tips: bring identification if requested, arrive a few minutes before the tour starts and check for any access restrictions due to conservation or logistical reasons.

The International House-Museums Days are an opportunity to explore lesser-known sites, hear personal stories and view collections that are not always accessible during the year.