Gucci is widely recognized as a prestigious brand known for its luxurious offerings, which include stylish and chic dresses, high-quality leather goods like handbags, striking accessories such as watches, and fashionable footwear. Additionally, the brand extends its reach into the realm of beauty, producing perfumes, fragrances, and cosmetics under the Gucci Beauty label. However, there’s so much more to Gucci than most people realize.
The illustrious brand was founded in 1921 in Florence, Italy, by the visionary Guccio Dario Maria Gucci, who was both a businessman and fashion designer. Under the leadership of his son Aldo Gucci, the brand gained global fame, becoming a symbol of Italian Dolce Vita. Over the decades, this iconic label has continued to thrive, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after luxury brands around the globe.
If you find yourself in Italy and are eager to delve deeper into the history and contemporary significance of the Gucci fashion house, a visit to the Gucci Garden in Florence is a must. In the following sections, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of this nostalgic venue. Let’s embark on this exploration without delay.
What is the Gucci Garden?
Inaugurated in 2011 to commemorate Gucci’s 90th anniversary, the Gucci Garden was originally known as the Gucci Museo before being reimagined into its current form.
Situated in the historic Palazzo Della Mecanazia, right in the heart of Florence, the Gucci Garden offers an immersive experience into the world of Gucci through its boutique, exhibition space, bookstore, and dining establishment.
Designed by Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s creative director, the garden embodies a contemporary aesthetic that honors the brand’s rich history while harmoniously blending nature with fashion. Michele eloquently expressed, “The garden is real, but it belongs above all to the mind, populated with plants and animals: like the snake, which slips in everywhere, and in a sense, symbolizes a perpetual beginning and a perpetual return.”
What Awaits Inside the Gucci Garden?
The Gucci Garden comprises a three-story structure featuring an exquisite blend of ancient charm and modern design, accentuated by a delicate baby pink ribbon and a striking pink eye motif. Within the garden, you can discover the Gucci Osteria, the Gucci store, the Gucci museum, and the Gucci bookstore. Let’s delve into the details of these captivating spaces.
1. The Gucci Osteria
The Gucci Osteria is a contemporary Italian eatery that was established in 2018 under the guidance of renowned Michelin three-star chef Massimo Bottura. This upscale dining venue represents a partnership between one of the world’s leading fashion brands and some of the finest culinary talents. The restaurant features a soothing palette of greens, browns, and whites, complemented by traditional brown decor.
When you require a break from exploring the Gucci Garden, this restaurant serves as an ideal retreat. Its menu offers an A la carte selection, a tasting menu, and an extensive wine list, all curated by Karime Lopez, a talented chef with a passion for art and music. She artfully combines classic Italian recipes with imaginative flair.
To illustrate, the A la carte menu boasts dishes such as Purple Corn Tostada and Taka’s Bun, alongside desserts like Carley Marley, with prices ranging from €22 to €65. The tasting menu presents options including Short Journey in Osteria (€150), Our Souvenirs (€170), and Our New Memories (€200). Additionally, you can choose to enhance your meal with wine priced between €70 and €120.
Lastly, the wine selection features premium options including white wines, champagnes, red wines, fortified wines, and rosé wines, showcasing some of the most exquisite and opulent vintages available.
2. The Gucci Store
Adjacent to the restaurant is the Gucci store, located on the ground floor, and just as enticing as the Osteria. This boutique comprises two spacious rooms dedicated to showcasing exclusive items unique to the Gucci Garden, ensuring you won’t find these products anywhere else.
Displayed with aesthetic finesse, the products in the Gucci Garden Store are bound to captivate even those with little knowledge of fashion. The boutique offers an extensive selection, including statement blazers, coats, sweaters, glittering hairpins, hair clips, other accessories, beautifully printed scarves, modern footwear, and stylish handbags.
Additionally, you’ll discover items featuring distinctive motifs, such as bats on custom jewelry and leather goods, as well as the iconic eye symbol on various gift items. Unique pieces and one-of-a-kind artifacts can also be found here. Friendly attendants are always on hand to assist you in finding exactly what you’re looking for.
While this exclusivity comes at a price, the opportunity to acquire a priceless souvenir makes it worthwhile for those who can indulge.
3. The Gucci Museum
Located adjacent to the store, the Gucci Museum was curated by Maria Luisa Frisa and stands out with its playful design, contrasting the usual museum experience. The space is filled with whimsical motifs, vibrant colors, and prints featuring floral and animal themes.
Spanning from 1921 to 2022, the museum’s exhibits reflect the brand’s evolution, showcasing pieces that embody both the past and present while aligning with the visionary ideals of its creator, Michele. This unique museum guides visitors through the rich history of Gucci, highlighting traditional and contemporary trends alongside the brand's innovative aesthetics and aspirations.
The Gucci Museum occupies two floors, showcasing an array of items from clothing to accessories, including garments from 1921, vintage suitcases from the 1930s, bright floral designs from the 1950s, multicolored jewelry from the 1970s, and contemporary art pieces.
Moreover, this unconventional museum space features art, documentation, videos, and graphic works arranged in a timeless manner to illustrate the brand’s remarkable journey and dedication over the years. A red velvet theater room within the museum screens experimental films and related visual content.
A dedicated section also highlights the work of former creative director Tom Ford, featuring two rooms filled with accessories and clothing that showcase Ford's iconic GG-themed designs along with faceless mannequins.
4. The Gucci Bookstore
The Gucci Garden also houses a serene bookstore, making it a must-visit spot for literary enthusiasts seeking solace in a well-curated shop. This bookstore features a selection of magazines, publications, and art books, along with an array of stylish notebooks, diaries, mobile phone covers, paperweights, home decor items, scarves, and design literature.
As the most affordable segment of the Gucci Garden, this bookstore provides an excellent opportunity to purchase thoughtful commemorative gifts for loved ones, ending your visit on a delightful note with a chance to find unique treasures.
