Rothko in Florence: Renaissance and Modern Art in Conversation at Palazzo Strozzi

Rothko in Florence: Renaissance meets modernity

From 14 March to 23 August 2026, Florence stages an exhibition on Mark Rothko that frames his work in dialogue with Renaissance art and architecture. The main venue is Palazzo Strozzi, with additional displays at the Museo di San Marco and the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana.

What to expect

The show gathers more than 70 works — many shown in Italy for the first time — from private collections and public institutions. The exhibition is conceived to highlight connections between Rothko's painting and the Renaissance masterpieces he encountered during his 1950 visit to Florence.

• Palazzo Strozzi: the main chronological route traces Rothko's development from figurative phases to the large color-field paintings of the 1950s and 1960s.
• Museo di San Marco: five Rothko works placed in direct conversation with five frescoed cells by Beato Angelico.
• Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana (Vestibule): two works exhibited in relation to Michelangelo's vestibule architecture.

Highlights

The display allows visitors to follow Rothko's artistic evolution — from early engagement with expressionist and surrealist languages to the immersive chromatic fields that define his mature work. The selection includes major canvases from international collections that demonstrate the emotional and visual power of his painting.

Practical information for visitors

• Suggested time: allow at least 1.5–2 hours to visit the main route at Palazzo Strozzi and the satellite locations.
• Tickets and opening times: check availability and visiting hours on Palazzo Strozzi's official channels before your visit.
• Why visit: an uncommon chance to experience Rothko's work in close comparison with Renaissance art and architecture, enriching the understanding of both traditions.

Author: Simone Spadaro