The 34th International Antiques Biennial (BIAF) returns to Florence from September 26 to October 4, 2026. Held at the prestigious Palazzo Corsini, this year’s edition features a lineup of major events designed to strengthen the exhibition’s international appeal while deepening its historic bond with the city. This synergy is further amplified by a renewed collaboration with the Fondazione CR Firenze and the Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Running daily from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, the exhibition offers a truly historic centerpiece. Visitors to the Throne Room of Palazzo Corsini will have the rare opportunity to view Michelangelo’s unexecuted design for the first facade of the San Lorenzo Basilica. Commissioned by Pope Leo X, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, this masterpiece is currently housed at Casa Buonarroti. Its display follows a meticulous diagnostic and conservation intervention conducted by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, with vital support from the Fondazione CR Firenze.
The Biennale kicks off with an exclusive series of preview events. On September 24, a press conference at noon in the Throne Room precedes a private exhibition preview and an exclusive gala dinner. The evening will culminate in a performance by international soprano Carolina López Moreno and a spectacular fireworks display, both situated outdoors and visible to the Florentine public. On September 25, VIP cardholders gain early access at 10:30 AM, followed by a dedicated preview for international museum directors, superintendents, and collectors. The night concludes with an exclusive after-dinner event at Palazzo Strozzi, featuring a nocturnal tour of the “Broken” exhibition.
The official inauguration takes place on the morning of September 26 in the Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio. This ceremony features the presentation of the “Lorenzo d’Oro” award—crafted by a select Florentine silversmith chosen from eight competitors—to a prominent figure from cinema, television, or culture who has significantly contributed to the global dissemination of Italian art. Later that evening at 7:30 PM, the Cinema Odeon will host an invite-only screening of Julian Schnabel’s film The Hand of Dante, with the acclaimed director in attendance.
Expanding its cultural footprint across the city, the BIAF 2026 and Fondazione CR Firenze are offering two extraordinary free guided tours at the Museo Horne. Titled “The Connoisseur’s Eye: Herbert Horne, an English Collector in Florence,” these tours will take place on Wednesday, September 30, and Friday, October 2, at 5:30 PM, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of art history and collecting practices.
Beyond the main exhibition, the Biennale hosts a robust schedule of scholarly presentations and panels in the Throne Room of Palazzo Corsini. The talks begin on September 25 with a focus on the World Monuments Fund in Italy, discussing the Vatican Loggia restoration and the “Raphael Legacy” project, followed by Cesare Cunaccia’s presentation of Lost & Found Celeste D’Anna. On Sunday, September 27, art historian Aldo Galli will present a volume of essays honoring Angelo Tartuferi.
The following days offer a deep dive into art scholarship. Monday, September 28, features presentations on Caravaggio by the Fondazione Federico Zeri, a volume on copies and replicas curated by Arturo Galansino, and Elisa Acanfora’s new book on Florentine painting. Tuesday, September 29, explores baroque abundance with Martina Leone’s work on Francesco Ruschi, alongside a presentation on Neapolitan altarpieces by the Fondazione De Vito, and a conference by Beatrice Tanzi on a newly discovered portrait by Sofonisba Anguissola at the Museo Bardini.
Mid-week events highlight essential art market history and literary intersections. Wednesday, September 30, features the BIAF awards delivery, Lucia Cimini’s novel on the Necchi sisters, the launch of the “Lots of Zeri” database focusing on 19th and 20th-century art market history, and Sandro Bellesi’s monograph on Filippo Tarchiani. Thursday, October 1, includes a discussion on a 14th-century Florentine triptych and a brief art history lesson by Michele Dantini exploring the historical crisis and challenge of creating a masterpiece.
The cultural program concludes on Friday, October 2, with presentations on collecting culture and Marco Riccomini’s Il nome della cosa, culminating in the official finissage and institutional farewells that evening. Finally, on Saturday, October 3, Maria Chiara Donnini will introduce a closing round table discussing the delicate balance of tradition and innovation in the world of antiques.
