La Portineria is a new project of independent contemporary art. It is inside a ’70s palace in the Campo di Marte district, a residential area in Florence. If only just the building, Palazzo Poli, deserves attention because it is quite different from the usual Florentine architecture with linear yellow buildings. In fact, the building that hosts La Portineria has a concrete surface and a particular 70’s style protruding windows.

La Portineria hosts independent contemporary art made by young artists. The first exhibition that I visited has been created by some young artists coming from the local Accademia di Belle Arti of Florence. The exhibition was about the lockdown, about how these artists have lived and what they have created in that period of isolation.

It’s one of those spots I usually look for when I travel abroad.

There is free entrance and you would easily meet somebody that comes along with you and explains what you are watching (for me that’s sometimes with contemporary art!)

After the visit, you can have a walk in the Campo di Marte district, where the stadium is, and maybe shop in the local botteghe (shops). Have a look at via Centostelle, it’s really crowded with locals. It is rare to find tourists here!