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 sustainable 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 sustainable future. 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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