THE TEATRO NICCOLINI
Florence’s oldest modern theatre, now home to FirenzeOnStage: major international productions, musical theatre, drama and guest performances, where tradition meets the contemporary stage.
FOUR CENTURIES OF THEATRE
FOUR CENTURIES OF THEATRE
In the heart of Florence, just a few steps from the Duomo, stands Teatro Niccolini, the city’s oldest theatre and one of the earliest modern theatres in Europe. Its origins date back to the mid-seventeenth century, when the Accademia degli Infuocati transformed part of Palazzo Ughi, on what was then known as Via del Cocomero, into a space dedicated to the performing arts. The theatre opened in 1648 and quickly became one of the leading cultural centres of Medici Florence.
Over the centuries, Teatro Niccolini has undergone profound transformations while maintaining a central role in the cultural life of the city. In the eighteenth century, it took on the classic horseshoe shape of the traditional Italian theatre. In the nineteenth century, it was named after the great playwright Giovanni Battista Niccolini, and in 1888 it became the first theatre in Tuscany to be lit by electricity.
After a long period of activity that saw some of the most important figures of the Italian stage perform there, including Vittorio Gassman, Carmelo Bene, Paolo Poli and Carlo Cecchi, the theatre closed in 1995. Thanks to the commitment of publisher Mauro Pagliai and a major restoration project, Teatro Niccolini reopened its doors in 2016, returning one of Florence’s most iconic cultural landmarks to the city.
A new and significant chapter in the theatre’s history began with the arrival of Hershey Felder, an internationally renowned artist, pianist, writer, director and producer. Through the FirenzeOnStage project, Felder took on the artistic direction of Teatro Niccolini, bringing a deeply innovative and international vision to its programming. His goal was clear from the outset: to transform the Niccolini into a world-class cultural centre, engaging with Florence, Italian audiences and the large international community that lives in and visits the city.
Under his artistic direction, the theatre has welcomed artists and leading figures of extraordinary prestige from the worlds of music, theatre, cinema and international culture. Among those who have enriched its programme are Helen Mirren, Jeff Goldblum, Mikhail Baryshnikov and many other internationally renowned musicians, actors, writers and innovators. Their presence has helped place Teatro Niccolini at the heart of an international cultural network unlike anything seen in its recent history.
The programme created by Felder has brought together artistic excellence, accessibility and cultural diversity. Concerts, theatre productions, conversations with leading international figures, music festivals, and events dedicated to jazz, literature and the performing arts have created a unique cultural offering in Florence. The aim is not simply to present high-quality performances, but to build a genuine cultural community where artists and audiences can meet and engage with one another.
Particularly significant has been the development of a permanent international programme, capable of attracting visitors from around the world and offering Florence a cultural destination that complements the city’s extraordinary historical and artistic heritage. FirenzeOnStage has become synonymous with quality, innovation and international openness, helping to broaden the theatre’s audience and strengthen its reputation far beyond Italy.
The success achieved so far confirms the strength of this vision. Teatro Niccolini has once again become not only a landmark in the history of European theatre, but also a vibrant and dynamic cultural institution, looking towards the future while remaining deeply connected to its past. The combination of the theatre’s extraordinary historical heritage and Hershey Felder’s artistic leadership has generated a cultural renaissance that continues to grow season after season.
Today, Teatro Niccolini represents an outstanding example of how a historic venue can be brought fully into the present through excellent programming, a strong cultural identity and an international vision. Thanks to the commitment of Hershey Felder and FirenzeOnStage, Florence’s oldest theatre continues to write a new and ambitious chapter in its history, establishing itself as one of the city’s leading cultural centres and a destination for artists and audiences from around the world.
FROM 1644 TO THE PRESENT
DENTRO IL NICCOLINI
Visit the teatro Niccolini
In the heart of Florence, Teatro Niccolini opens its doors to those who wish to discover its history and explore its spaces up close. Contact us to arrange your visit.
To book your visit, write to:
SIAMO A TUA DISPOSIZIONE
Per informazioni sul teatro, sugli spettacoli e sui servizi al pubblico, contatta FirenzeOnStage. Saremo lieti di aiutarti a organizzare al meglio la tua visita al Teatro Niccolini.
TEATRO NICCOLINI
Via Ricasoli, 3
50122 Firenze, Italia