The History

Palazzo Coppini stands out among the notable buildings in Florence, as its structural and decorative elements encompass several key periods in the city’s history, enclosed by the Arnolfian walls.

The first period is linked to the remains of the original medieval building, identifiable in the remains of one of those city towers “reduced” in 1250 by decree of the government of the Primo Popolo, and subsequently incorporated into noble residences. The second period is represented by a phase of planimetric and structural expansion dating back to the 16th century, featuring prominent elements such as a beautiful stone helical staircase and an elegant fountain placed in a niche, topped by a grotesque Mannerist mask. The third period, in the 19th century, is characterized by a significant increase in volume, part of a near-total restructuring of the oldest area of the residence, reflecting the Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance styles between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The building houses a vast cultural heritage composed of over eight thousand books written in thirteen alphabets and fifty-three languages, along with two thousand artifacts donated by the Foundation’s numerous partners worldwide. Palazzo Coppini serves as a museum showcasing the collections token of gratitude received by the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation over its 35 years of activity, offering a glimpse into the world’s diverse cultures. The artifacts are displayed in a dialogue that testifies to and represents the harmonious coexistence of places and cultures, all within a historic Florentine residence.

Each room is dedicated to the memory of a significant event, involving the Foundation’s experts on important themes of Cultural Heritage and Dialogue among peoples. These events have significantly contributed to the growth of the Foundation’s activities and its relationships worldwide, fueling international debate.

This palace, interwoven with the fabric of Florence’s urban history, has been opened for public use. Fully renovated and equipped with seven meeting and conference rooms, as well as exhibition and reception spaces that can accommodate up to 150 people, it is an initiative born from the Foundation’s over thirty years of experience in international and interdisciplinary meetings in support of dialogue among civilizations.