Rothko in Florence: major exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi (14 March–23 August 2026)

Rothko in Florence: a wide-ranging retrospective

From 14 March to 23 August 2026, Palazzo Strozzi stages a major exhibition on Mark Rothko that maps the evolution of his art. Curated by Christopher Rothko and Elena Geuna, the show features more than 70 works, many shown in Italy for the first time.

Exhibition route

The display follows a chronological path, tracing Rothko's development from the figurative works of the 1930s and 1940s to the expansive, color-field canvases of the 1950s and 1960s that aim to engage viewers on an emotional and contemplative level.

Works and international loans

The selection includes pieces from important private collections and leading international museums, offering visitors direct contact with significant examples of Rothko's output.

City-wide venues

• Palazzo Strozzi: main venue housing the core of the retrospective.
• Museo di San Marco: five works displayed within the frescoed cells, creating a dialogue with early Renaissance painting.
• Vestibule of the Medicea Laurenziana Library: two works placed in relation to Michelangelo's architectural space.

Why visit

The exhibition highlights Rothko's connections to Italian art, especially the influence of Beato Angelico on the more delicate palettes, and reconstructs how Florence inspired pivotal projects in his career, such as the Seagram Murals.

Practical information

Dates: 14 March – 23 August 2026. Venues: Palazzo Strozzi, Museo di San Marco, Vestibule of the Medicea Laurenziana Library. For opening times, ticketing and guided tours, check the official venue website.

The show is recommended for those interested in the dialogue between Renaissance tradition and modern art and for visitors seeking an immersive experience of color and spatial painting.