Grand stage for four centuries of fashion
The Museum of Costume and Fashion at the Palazzo Pitti opened in 1983 as Italy’s first state museum dedicated to the history of fashion. It is housed in the small building of the Meridiana, a southern wing that began construction in 1776 under Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo and was completed in 1840. It has long been the chosen residence by ruling families, including Maria Luisa di Borbone and Umberto and Margherita of Savoy. The museum displays a collection of clothing, jewellery and accessories from the 18th century to today, supplemented by movie, theater and opera costumes from the 20th century. The recent restoration of the funeral garments of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, Eleonora of Toledo and of her son Don Garzia has further enriched the museum with rare examples from the 16th century. The museum also hosts a fabric restoration laboratory to maintain its clothing and accessories, which are displayed in rotation for conservation.
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