Massimo Listri

A WINDOW TO THE WORLD

Florentine artist Massimo Listri, a long-time admirer and honorary member of Palazzo Tornabuoni, offers us a glimpse of its majesty through his unique perspective, along with other extraordinary locations in the city

Throughout my career-first as a professional and later as an artist – I’ve been fortunate to discover and capture countless extraordinary places around the world. Among them, Palazzo Tornabuoni holds a special place in my heart. With its grandeur and commanding presence, it embodies the very essence of monumental space, rich with history and a constant source of inspiration. Its beauty, which I have immortalised in my works, is absolute, presented without the presence of people. And yet, the human element is deeply felt here – a lived-in space, full of life and energy, which is precisely why I love spending time within its walls. Palazzo Tornabuoni, with its international atmosphere, is a true window to the world. The dialogue with its members -hailing from stunning places I’ve either visited or dream of exploring – a parks memories and new inspirations. This happens not only within the palace’s impressive walls but also while wandering the streets of Florence together.

 

WITH ITS GRANDEUR AND COMMANDING PRESENCE, IT EMBODIES THE VERY ESSENCE OF MONUMENTAL SPACE’

 

I take great pleasure in showing them my house-museum, home to my Foundation, and revealing my beloved Florence through my eyes. Together, we explore hidden corners of the city that l’ve photographed over the years and exhibited in some of the world’s most prestigious institutions: from Florence’s Palazzo Pitti to Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Vatican Museums, Venice’s Museo Correr, New York’s Morgan Library & Museum, and Buenos Aires’ Museum of Modern Art, to name a few. However, exhibiting at Palazzo Tornabuoni, as I had the privilege of doing during its 15th-anniversary celebrations, is an intimate and unparalleled experience for me. Not only do my works find their ideal setting here, but it is also a place I cherish deeply, one I am proud to be connected to as an honorary member. In these pages, I invite you to join me on a journey through Palazzo Tornabuoni and other magnificent locations in Florence, as seen through my lens.