Italy:Gucci opens GUCCI MUSEO to celebrate 90th birthday

 

A year of events in celebration of Gucci’s 90th anniversary will culminate on September 28th, 2011, with the official public opening of the GUCCI MUSEO inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia located in Florence’s Piazza Signoria. It was in 1921 that Guccio Gucci opened his company and first store in Florence with a dream and a vision that still lives on today through a heritage of icons and values that continue to inspire the House.

Conceived by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, the GUCCI MUSEO is a living space encapsulating the House's “Forever Now” philosophy. A permanent exhibition from its rich and culturally significant archive, which has been preserved and amplified throughout the years, will be juxtaposed with contemporary art installations supported by the Pinault Foundation. An icon store, bookshop, caffè and gift shop complement the exhibition spaces to create a destination location for visitors.

Commenting on the founding of the GUCCI MUSEO Frida Giannini said, “Ever since my first visit to the archive when I joined Gucci nine years ago, I have felt a deep commitment to the House’s legacy and have wanted to expose the rich archive in celebration of the remarkable narrative behind so many of our iconic products and motifs. As Gucci turns 90 this year, I felt it was the right moment to inaugurate our own space, where hidden treasures would be open to public viewing for the first time. In this way the GUCCI MUSEO will both conserve and celebrate the most significant moments in the history of the House, providing an official account of its origins, evolution and cultural influence.”

The ancient Palazzo della Mercanzia, dating back to 1337 and still a symbol of the Florentine arts and craftsmanship, spans from Piazza della Signoria to Piazza San Firenze and originates from two splendid buildings, respective offices of the Ufficio della Condotta degli Stipendiati and the Università dei Mercanti and Ufficio della Mercanzia, in the time of the Medici. The internal restoration that has taken place respects the building’s history through the use of materials which integrate naturally with the original architecture.

Patrizio di Marco, Gucci’s President and CEO, said, “We have decided to give life to something very dynamic and engaging. Visitors to the GUCCI MUSEO will not have the impression of a nostalgic celebration, instead our aim has been to create a destination experience where people can appreciate and enjoy our history, but at the same time understand how innovative and alive Gucci is today.” Di Marco continued, “The GUCCI MUSEO is also a tribute to our hometown.

Although Gucci is a truly international company, we absolutely remain a Florentine success story. We owe much of our success to the traditions, skills and innovation of our local artisans, who proudly represent the values of the Made in Italy label. We are extremely grateful to the City of Florence for its enthusiastic support in permitting us to locate the museum within such an historically important building in the heart of Florence.”

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