On 9 May 2026, the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) at the European University Institute (EUI) will open its doors for its annual Open Day at Villa Salviati. The event coincides with the European Union’s yearly celebration of Europe Day and is part of the EUI's 50th anniversary programme of festivities and events in 2026.
Students from Florence high schools, together with volunteers from the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (FAI) – Florence Delegation, will lead guided tours of Villa Salviati and its gardens. At the same time, HAEU archivists will accompany visitors through the archival deposits that house the records of European Union institutions and agencies. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the history of Villa Salviati, including the magnificent grotto, the courtyard with its well-preserved grotesques and terracotta roundels, and the beautiful 16th-century chapel commemorating the union between the Medici and Salviati families. Visitors will also learn about the contemporary history of European integration and how it is preserved in Florence.
Throughout the day, archivists from the HAEU will present readings from selected documents that have shaped the history of Europe and will share video projections from the Archives’ audiovisual holdings. A small exhibit from the SAGA project on sustainable archives will also be on display.
The historical reenactment theatre group Compagnia Tercio de' Medici will animate the grounds in period costume, demonstrating aspects of life during the time of Cosimo III de’ Medici.
Four musical interludes will take place during the day, featuring performances by musicians from the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole’s Orchestra Piccolissimi Musici and chamber ensembles. In the afternoon, the children’s choir I Maggiolini – i piccoli cantori dell’Accademia del Maggio – will perform, and the event will conclude with the lyrical concert by soloists of the Orchestra of the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
The 2026 Open Day will also welcome back circus activities organised by the Passe-Passe circus school, as well as pantomime by Saeed Fekri.
Entry to the event is free and open to the public.
Registration for guided tours of Villa Salviati and the deposits is required and is possible on the FAI website. Spaces are limited.
Get a detailed programme of the Open Day here.