Early this summer, Florida State University International Programs Italy will enter the future by stepping 500 years into the past.
In June, renovations are to be completed on the Palazzo Bagnesi Falconeri, a 37,000-square-foot palace in via de’ Neri that dates to the time of Michelangelo.
Rendering of the new FSU library in via de’ Neri
FSU will move its Florence study center to the newly renovated building. In addition to serving as a hub of research and learning, the building will be a home away from home for visiting FSU students and faculty.
Frank Nero, director of FSU International Programs Italy, said he’s thrilled about the new building. In addition to addressing a classroom shortage in the current facility, Nero said the study center will help promote an immersive experience for students. “It’s a beautiful building but we don’t want to be an enclave. We want students to explore. We want to see how the program is integrating students into Florence and how the program is leaving a positive imprint on Florence.”
Renovations are underway on Palazzo Bagnesi Falconeri
The historical core of the Palazzo Bagnesi consists of three floors that rise around a large central courtyard. Once renovated, the courtyard will be enclosed with a skylight and house a library and study space. The ground floor will include a reception area, coffee bar, experiential kitchen and outdoor patio, while the second floor will feature 10 classrooms, offices, a sewing and textile lab as well as a newsroom and media lab. The third floor will house student apartments with room for 24 students.
