By Cheryl Tay 

Gucci celebrates 90th birthday with the opening of GUCCI MUSEO in Florence

A year of events celebrating Gucci’s 90th anniversary culminated in the opening of the GUCCI MUSEO inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia on 28th September this year. Located in Florence’s Piazza Signoria, the Palazzo della Mercanzia is hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance and could not be a more fitting home for Gucci’s tribute to its rich history.

The brains behind the founding of the GUCCI MUSEO is creative director Frida Giannini, and she commented, "Ever since my first visit to the archive when I joined Gucci nine years ago, I have felt a deep commitment to the House’s legacy and have wanted to expose the rich archive in celebration of the remarkable narrative behind so many of our iconic products and motifs."

"As Gucci turns 90 this year, I felt it was the right moment to inaugurate our own space, where hidden treasures would be open to public viewing for the first time."

"In this way the GUCCI MUSEO will both conserve and celebrate the most significant moments in the history of the House, providing an official account of its origins, evolution and cultural influence."

Its ground floor holds a permanent exhibition from its rich and culturally significant archive, juxtaposed with contemporary art installations by the Pinault Foundation. There is also an icon store, bookshop, caffè and gift shop.

The first floor continues the journey through Gucci’s history with installations such as Flora World, Handbags, Evening, Precious and a Contemporary Art Space, where contemporary art works by selected artists will be showcased. The second floor houses Logomania, Lifestyle and Sport. 

The 1921 collection has also been launched in celebration of Gucci’s 90th anniversary. It is a range of men's and women's ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, with items ranging from a crocodile skin handbag ($25,500) to a men's suede blazer ($5500), and new editions of the New Bamboo, the New Jackie, and the Horsebit Chain handbags.

The GUCCI MUSEO opening night dinner was hosted by Frida Giannini and held next door at the Palazzo Vecchio, and attended by the likes of Charlotte Casiraghi, Camilla Belle, François-Henri Pinault, Gemma Arterton, and artist Bill Viola.