The guided tour of Teatro della Pergola offers a unique journey through the grand halls, stage, fascinating underground areas and the stage machinery of the first example of the teatro all’italiana (Italian-style theatre). It’s a voyage through time encompassing events, figures, anecdotes and legends that span from the whims of the Medici court to the stars of today’s theater scene. Tours are available by reservation for groups of 2 to 25 people, subject to availability, and can be conducted in Italian or English.
In addition to the standard guided tour, which serves as an introduction to the theatre, specialized tours are also available, the format and content of which can be tailored in consultation with organizers, allowing for the coordination of logistics, the participants’ language proficiency and specific areas of interest, making it an excellent choice for businesses or tour organizers and a way to introduce new audiences to the endless allure of Florence’s theater scene.
The Teatro della Pergola’s international costume atelier is a permanent workshop dedicated to excellence in theatrical costume making. Located in the historic attics, participants enjoy an entirely unique view of Brunelleschi’s dome, while engaging with the artisanal expertise involved in the production of costumes, accessories and tailored pieces for Teatro della Toscana productions as well as national and international projects. The theatre holds a significant collection of historical, period and repertory costumes, made available to theaters, audiovisual productions, cultural institutions and events through a dedicated service.
The Centro di Avviamento all’Espressione (CAE—Center for the Training of Expression) is the pedagogical and training center of the Fondazione Teatro della Toscana. Founded in Florence in 1979 by Orazio Costa, the center has operated at Teatro della Pergola since its inception. A permanent research laboratory dedicated to expression, creativity and communication, it offers courses for a wide range of participants, from adults seeking to improve interpersonal skills to children and young people from age three, as well as specialized programmes for teachers, including collaborations with the health authority and private associations on rehabilitation programmes.
A major development in the 2026/2027 season reconnects the foundation with its roots. The historic Bottega Teatrale di Firenze (Florence Theatre Workshop), founded by Vittorio Gassman and closed in 1989, is reopening in a new form while retaining its original sense of urgency. Part of the Artifici initiative, spanning Nuovo Rifredi Scena Aperta and Teatro della Pergola, the renewed programme offers 9 training courses for a diverse range of participants, from secondary school students and performing arts professionals to people with disabilities and adults over 70.
Photos by Filippo Manzini
