The Costume Gallery was founded in 1983 by Kristen Aschengreen Piacenti and organized in the rooms that hosted the Lorena (until 1799) and the Savoy (1862-1946). The exhibit, under the care of Carlo Sisi and Caterina Chiarelli is refined and attentive to details: with about 6000 costumes and accessories on exhibit, with biennial rotations displayed on mannequins that are designed to show characters, styles and sizes of various ages. The collections shows the ability of master tailors and seamstresses to satisfy the tastes and refinity of different moments and events in the history of a society patron to the arts in her various forms: from the rich and worldly dress that enlivened that 18th century to those sober and austere affairs of the 1900's during the Wars.

The exhibit begins with a rich selection of dresses for women from the 18th and 19th centuries. The elegance of line, blending with the richness of the rooms, recalls antique cameos: precious and aristocratic, sinuous and coquettish, women were the stars of the age (salons I-III, IX-XI). The scene changes passing to the section dedicated to Women's' Fashion Between the Two Wars. Fascism wanted a woman who was Wife and Mother and dressed her in severe and sober lines. There wasn't room for any frivolities: a woman interpreted her role in the sober and practical dresses of the regime (salons IV-IIX).


Indirizzo: Piazza Pitti 1 - Firenze
Biglietto: 5 €
Riduzioni: Free entrance until 18 years old and after 65 years old; for groups of students and teachers. For students in Arts -
Orario apertura: 8.30 - 13.30
Chiusura: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 1st, 3th, 5th Monday of the month; on Holidays
Telefono: 055.2388713