"The Path to Paradise" - Galleria Frilli & Pneuma Art Foundation

Sala d'Arme, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
November 3 - 11 2025
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free entrance

Exactly 600 years after the contract was signed to commission Lorenzo Ghiberti to create the Gates of Paradise for the Florence Baptistery, 80 contemporary artists from all five continents responded to an Artist Call, just as Ghiberti himself approached his famous competition in 1401 and emerged undisputed winner.

The 37 artists selected in the Painting and Sculpture categories faced a true challenge, drawing inspiration from contemporary stimuli, yet always figurative and driven by savoir faire.

The Gates of Paradise, a masterpiece that surpassed with expectations, in glory and magnificence, even the celebrated North Door, is at the heart of this project, which could only be called "The Path to Paradise." The same title stands out at the entrance to the Sala d'Arme of Palazzo Vecchio, beneath whose soaring vaults the 37 finalists are displayed until November 11th in a diverse and surprising exhibition, showcasing the quality of the techniques used and the personal visions developed by the artists. Each selected sculptor and painter has engaged in a "dialogue" with one of the precious Renaissance panels, seeking a connection, a link with the history represented, deciding whether to pursue coherence or a complete reinterpretation towards new dimensions. They accompany the public on a journey that aims to open new doors and new visions, enabling them to embark together on a new path toward "Paradise" and discover the incredible stories behind these works.

The Sala d'Arme features the impressive frame of the Gates of Paradise, a replica of the original cast from the Frilli Gallery, upholstered for the occasion with precious fabrics from the Antico Setificio Fiorentino.

The exhibition is accompanied by 10 replicas of the panels, placed at visitor height, allowing visitors to appreciate every finely chiseled detail, from the "Stiacciato" to the high relief to the actual sculpture.

The exhibition is promoted by Galleria Frilli of Florence and the American Pneuma Art Foundation, which aims to celebrate the connection between past and present, drawing on the humanistic core, artistic boldness, and philosophical ambition that characterized Ghiberti's doors, and allowing the next generation of emerging and established figurative artists to reinterpret them.

In the intimate atmosphere of the celebrated Hall, with soft and targeted lighting to enhance the power of the works, imposing sculptures and large-scale paintings, bold gilding, and refined marble and bronze pieces lead visitors on a dance of emotions, with the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the artists themselves, whose works are featured alternately throughout the exhibition.

Press:

https://www.055firenze.it/art/237484/Arte-Palazzo-Vecchio-37-artisti-contemporanei-reinterpretano-la-Porta-del-Paradiso-di-Ghiberti

https://www.artapartofculture.net/2025/11/03/the-path-to-paradise-verso-il-paradiso-larte-contemporanea-omaggia-i-600-anni-della-porta-del-paradiso-il-capolavoro-di-ghiberti/

https://artemagazine.it/the-path-to-paradise-quando-il-rinascimento-incontra-il-presente/

https://www.arte.it/calendario-arte/firenze/mostra-the-path-to-paradise-verso-il-paradiso-102629

https://www.artribune.com/arti-visive/arte-moderna/2025/11/firenze-mostra-palazzo-vecchio-the-path-to-paradise/

https://www.artribune.com/mostre-evento-arte/the-path-to-paradise/

https://www.brasilnaitalia.net/2025/10/o-caminho-para-o-paraiso.html

https://www.firenzetoday.it/blog/passato-e-presente/path-paradise-mostra-blog.html

https://www.firenzefuori.it/verso-il-paradiso-leredita-di-ghiberti-oggi/

https://www.ilgiornaleditalia.it/news/cultura/745680/battistero-del-duomo-di-firenze-una-mostra-propone-opere-di-37-artisti-contemporanei-che-omaggiano-i-600-anni-della-porta-del-paradiso-capolavoro-del-ghiberti.html

https://www.intoscana.it/it/the-path-to-paradise-lomaggio-degli-artisti-contemporanei-ai-600-anni-della-porta-del-paradiso/