Manifattura Tabacchi: The Factory

The former tobacco factory is already one of the most innovative spaces in Florence, having operated as a cultural hub for several years.

Up on the roof

Officina Botanica (Botanic Workshop), a public roof garden designed by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi, is among the new features. Bringing more greenery to the city, the 560-square meter space is adorned with trees, shrubs and perennials.

Resident businesses

As well as being a permanent home for innovative businesses, such as LVMH Group, Doghead Animation and SDG Group, The Factory is home to the likes of SuperDuper for handmade hats; LUNEDÌ for sustainable clothing and jewelry; Fàbera, for ethical jewellery featuring recycled gold and lab diamonds; Noa Ink for tattoos and piercings; and Blues Barber shop, born out of a tradition of Sicilian barber shops. Global leader in the design and production of bicycles, Trek Bikes, has also set up shop at The Factory. During Pitti Uomo this June, tailoring service Archivi Sartoriali will open at The Factory. On June 22, top Tuscan hairdressing salon Polvere Nera Parrucchieri will begin business with 40 years experience of hair sculpting staffed by highly qualified personnel from Florence’s Accademia Polverini.

Eating + drinking

Culinary pleasures are also at the forefront of this expansion. Venetian-inspired Bulli&Balene settles into a permanent location, while Japanese spot HIROKO Bentō e vini fatti a modo makes for a quick lunch option. Florentine favourites Ditta Artigianale and Shake Café will take up residence alongside newcomer bakery Cuchiss Lab. Bottega Biologica also opens its doors, carefully sourcing produce from local farms. Food trucks Chiosco ai Renai and Necciaio serve top street food in the boulevard every Monday in June and July.

Events this summer

The Factory hosts some of the hottest events in town, from live music to books and talks and children’s workshops. LoudLift LIVE is curating a lineup of top indie Americana and folk artists. Lattexplus returns with its “clubbing differently” vibe. 2023 brings a new partnership with the internationally renowned Fiesole Music School, with classical concerts throughout the summer. Expect outdoor movies galore in Maker Street, curated by Fondazione Stensen. B11 hosts art project Calentamiento by the Vaste Programme collective and TOAST Project Space welcomes Condylura’s Wieland Schoenfelder show. During Pitti Immagine Uomo, from June 14 to 18, the first floor of the B9 building will host the show THreSH(h)ōld – a point of beginning, with installations made by Fashion Art Direction students at Polimoda. Check out resident experimental designer Duccio Maria Gambi’s works; VEDA, the contemporary art gallery founded by Gianluca Gentili; ZOO_Hub’s furniture and furnishings showroom/gallery; as well as the headquarters of Associazione Arte Continue in The Factory’s central building, which provides free public art initiatives involving top international artists. Parents will be relieved to learn about the summer school facilities: art workshops organized by Onouka, skate lessons from Fortezza Crew, performing arts with Il paracadute di Icaro, eco workshops from Fondazione Ferragamo and the Todomodo Dilà kids’ book club. Manifattura Tabacchi remains reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists in an effort to embrace sustainable mobility.