The Manifattura Tabacchi is situated near the Parco delle Cascine – once the Medici family’s hunting grounds, now Florence’s largest public park. It is a 6‑hectare site, centrally located, covering an area of 110,000 m², comprising 16 buildings designed by Pier Luigi Nervi in the Italian Rationalist style, and driven by a clear vision. The former tobacco factory for cigars and cigarettes, which had to close its doors in 2001 after 70 years, is one of the leading projects for future-orientated urban regeneration in Italy. A comprehensive masterplan involving numerous renowned architecture and design firms, including SANAA. The aim: an open, connected and green urban quarter that combines historic industrial architecture with the spirit of the times. Alongside forward-looking concepts and 1,000 newly planted trees, the focus is on a mix of uses encompassing living, working and leisure.
The latter also includes the Motel – a venue in the heart of the quartier that has retained its original industrial architecture to this day. Spanning around 3,000 m², it serves not only as a central hub for art, culture and fashion, but also for private events. The Florentine studio q‑bic designed the space as a hybrid meeting place, inspired by American motels. The flexible spatial concept encompasses more than 1,500 m² of event space, a 500 m² outdoor space with a covered terrace, and over 900 m² of vaulted ceilings housing the ‘Caveau della Memoria’ – an archive of the factory’s history that combines a raw industrial aesthetic, old machinery and historic furniture with contemporary design and a modern flair. Open spaces, reversible interventions and a fluid sequence of rooms create a versatile environment for a wide variety of events: from celebrations and cultural events to fashion shows, workshops, markets, photo and video shoots, conventions and corporate events.
Upon entering this impressive setting, visitors are greeted by “Hercules”, a luminous sculpture by Patrick Tuttofuoco. All around, the creative future of Florence is in full swing – a vibrant hub of studios, offices, service ateliers, designer concept stores, restaurants, residential developments, a Polimoda campus and a hostel for overnight stays. So there’s plenty to discover here, whether before or after the event.
Details
| Region | IT – Italy, Florence |
| Scenery | In the heart of the vibrant new Manifattura Tabacchi district, close to Parco delle Cascine, the city centre, the railway station and the airport; public transport: connected to the city centre via bus lines 17 and 75 |
| Uses | |
| Number of Persons | |
| Accommodation | In the neighbouring hostel “Aparto Manifattura” (both double and shared rooms available); further accommodation options are within easy reach. |
| Event rooms |
3,000 m², which can be flexibly arranged and combined: Event Space 1: 506.18 m²
- max. 350 people The Manifattura Tabacchi has its own underground car park. |
| Equipment | Wi-Fi in all rooms, seating, a screen, a stage and technical equipment available on request; there are numerous restaurants, shops and studios in the surrounding area, as well as plenty of other venues for collaborations |
| Special features | A bespoke venue with a rugged patina, a fresh spirit and endless possibilities – nestled within the visionary context of the Manifattura Tabacchi, where industrial heritage meets contemporary culture and a future-proof concept. Exchange and inspiration guaranteed! |
| Design | 1930–1940: Pier Luigi Nervi / today: q-bic , Florence, as well as numerous other architecture and design firms involved in the Masterplan , including SANAA, Studio Mumbai, Studio Antonio Perazzi, Piuarch, Patricia Urquiola etc. |
| Completion | 1930–1940, work in progress since 2016 |
| Awards | ‘Premio Architettura Toscana 2024’ for restoration and redevelopment work |
Impressions
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