The Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) will open its doors to the public on 6 May for its annual Open Day. The event is the concluding activity of the European University Institute’s The State of the Union Conference 2023. It is also included on the programme of the Festival d’Europa taking place in Florence from 4-9 May.
The Archives will welcome visitors with guided tours of its state-of-the-art vaults, while Florentine high school students collaborating with the Florence chapter of FAI as Apprendisti Ciceroni will lead the public through the historic villa and its gardens, including the magnificent grotto and the beautiful 16th century chapel that commemorates the union between the Medici and Salviati families.
Under the curation of DFTM1 and Città Nascosta, eleven artists from Florence’s Fine Arts Institute will display their work across the Salviati campus in an exhibit entitled In Varietate Concordia.
Archivists from the HAEU will deliver readings of selected documents important in the history of Europe, as well as share video projections from its audiovisual holdings. The education team will lead activities for younger visitors focusing on the values of the European Union.
Two historical re-enactment theatre companies, the Compagnia San Michele and the Compagnia Tercio de' Medici, will be on the grounds to demonstrate military life in the age of Cosimo II.
Musical events include a concert by the Orchestra Piccolissimi Musici from the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, and a concert in late afternoon by the vocal trio le Signorine. The 2023 Open Day will also see the return of circus activities with the Passe Passe circus association.
For the Open Day programme, access information and the link for booking guided tours, consult the Open Day webpage.