Franca Pisani in Pietrasanta – The city of Pietrasanta, located in the beautiful Versilia region of Tuscany, is renowned for its deep connection with art and sculpture. This charming destination, which combines the relaxing atmosphere of a Tuscan town with a vibrant artistic scene, attracts visitors from all over the world eager to experience its rich culture and beauty.
Recently, Pietrasanta made headlines in the art world with the exhibition “Il Balcone del Cielo” by the renowned artist Franca Pisani, celebrating her 50-year career with a personal anthology at the Complesso Monumentale di Sant’Agostino. The exhibition promises to be a milestone in the city’s cultural history. Read the full article to learn more.
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The “Il Balcone del Cielo” Exhibition by Franca Pisani in Pietrasanta
Franca Pisani’s “Il Balcone del Cielo” exhibition, hosted in the stunning Monumental Complex of Sant’Agostino in Piazza del Duomo, Pietrasanta, celebrates the artist’s 50-year career and the feminine universe. Opened in late October, the exhibition will remain accessible throughout the holiday season.
The exhibition will be open to the public from Tuesday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Saturdays and holidays, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The only extraordinary opening will take place on Monday, January 6, 2025 (Epiphany), from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The exhibition will run until Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Franca Pisani, one of the leading figures in Italian conceptual art and visual poetry, brings to Pietrasanta a collection that reflects her vast artistic journey, marked by constant experimentation and innovation.
The artist, who has exhibited in major international institutions such as the Venice Biennale and the Reina Sofia Museum, presents in “Il Balcone del Cielo” a series of works that pay homage to the feminine universe, a recurring theme in her creations.
The exhibition takes place at the Complesso Monumentale di Sant’Agostino, built between the 15th and 16th centuries: a historical and imposing setting, which includes a large church, cloisters, and adjacent gardens.
Pisani’s works, ranging from paintings to sculptures and installations, take over the space in a unique way. She chose to begin the exhibition with her most recent works, where the use of vibrant colors contrasts with a black background, referencing the Caravaggesque style.
A Tribute to the Feminine Universe
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the representation of women. Pisani’s female figures appear on large 300×300 cm panels, as described by curator Alberto Dambruoso. These women, depicted as silent heroines, represent the struggles and achievements of mothers, wives, and workers, who have often sacrificed their personal aspirations for their families and society.
For those interested in contemporary art and its social implications, this exhibition is a unique opportunity to explore Franca Pisani’s talent and also her dedication to feminist causes, which resonate throughout her career. The artist defines herself as “an old rebel” who has always defended gender equality through her art.
The Charm of Pietrasanta in Tuscany
Since the late Middle Ages, the Versilia region, blessed with abundant marble, has produced generations of sculptors and attracted great art masters, including Michelangelo.
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In the centuries that followed, this tradition continued into the 20th century, especially after World War II, when Pietrasanta became a center for international artists working with marble and bronze, as well as housing copy workshops and foundries. Artists such as Moore, Mirò, Pomodoro, and Botero lived and worked in this city.
In addition to the many artisanal workshops, Pietrasanta boasts a high number of art galleries, with a record of approximately one gallery for every 1,200 inhabitants. In 2020, Forbes named Pietrasanta the “capital of outdoor culture.”
The numerous art exhibitions regularly presented in the city, in its public spaces and art galleries, have contributed to a growing public collection of sculptures and paintings housed in the municipal collections.
Visiting Pietrasanta during the exhibition period is an excellent opportunity to explore what the city has to offer beyond its galleries and studios. Pietrasanta provides a rich cultural experience with streets lined with sculptures and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Complesso Monumentale di Sant’Agostino is just one of many historical sites in the city. Visitors can stroll through Piazza del Duomo, admire the work of both local and international sculptors, and enjoy charming cafés and restaurants offering the best of Tuscan cuisine.
With a prime location near the coast and surrounded by hills, Pietrasanta is the perfect destination for those seeking a mix of culture, history, and leisure.
How to Get to Pietrasanta
Pietrasanta is approximately 1.5 hours (111 km) from Florence, 40 minutes (38 km) from Lucca, and 40 minutes (34 km) from Pisa.
By Car
- From Milan: Take the A1 south to Parma, then merge onto A15 (Cisa) toward La Spezia. From La Spezia, take the A12 and exit at Versilia.
- From Genoa: Take the A12 south to the Versilia exit.
- From Florence: Take the A11 Firenze-Mare to Lucca, then follow the connection toward Viareggio. From there, take the A12 north to Versilia.
- From Rome: Take the A1 to Florence, then follow the A11 to Viareggio. From there, take the A12 north to Versilia.
By Train
Pietrasanta has a train station called “Pietrasanta” and there are even direct trains from Florence that take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online at Trenitalia or directly at the train station.
The Complesso Monumentale di Sant’Agostino is about 800 meters or a 10-minute walk from the Pietrasanta train station.
By Bus
For those traveling by bus within Tuscany, you can consult routes, schedules, and fares on the official website of Autolinee Toscane.
By Air
The nearest airport to Pietrasanta is Pisa Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes away from the city.
Exploring Pietrasanta is an immersive experience, offering the chance to witness the beauty of contemporary art up close while enjoying the timeless charm of Tuscany.
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