A world of photography, Museo Nazionale Alinari della Fotographia (MNAF) is one of Florence’s best kept secrets. Although it's located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, it surely isn’t hidden. The building is called Leopoldine, and its renovation was made possible by the bank Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze. MNAF holds an exhibition space for 20th-century collections and it also has a modern exhibition space that's been restored in recent years.
MNAF entrance — Photo courtesy of Curiositasufirenze
MNAF is divided into two different spaces. There is the exhibition space where the public exhibitions are held, as well as the collaborations with other international institutions related to the theme of historical and contemporary photography. The permanent space in MNAF is dedicated to the history and technique of photography. There are photographic materials showing original vintage photos that illustrates the history of the invention of the camera and its evolution.
Inside the exhibit space — Photo courtesy of Alinari.it
There are a total of seven subsections in the MNAF. A visual path starting with the invention of the camera, and referencing developments throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. There's an educational section, which has creative workshops for children. The Touch Museum is designed for the visually disabled–thanks to a collaboration of the Italian Union of the Blind and the Braille Printing House of Tuscany, this compelling innovation was made possible. There is equal attention given to the development of services for guided tours for the deaf. Tours are offered with a sign language interpreter, in cooperation with the National Deaf Association.
Duffy: A Photographic Genius — Photo courtesy of MNAF
Through May 20, 2012, a special exhibit will be at the MNAF– Duffy: A Photographic Genius–that highlights celebrated English photographer Brian Duffy. He was most famous for his pictures of the days of Swinging London. The entrance fee is
MNAF
Piazza Santa Maria Novella 14a r
Tel: 055.216310
Fax: 055.2646990
email: mnaf@alinari.it
