Yes, there’s more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower! Of course, I have seen (and climbed) the Leaning Tower – the Piazza dei Miracoli is NOT to be missed! However, there is more…

Just a one hour train ride from Florence, this day trip was dedicated to seeing an exhibit at Palazzo Blu.

♦ Earlier this year I returned twice to attend their stunning “I Macchiaoli” exhibit. So, when they announced the current exhibit, I decided immediately to go…

Now (through April 7, 2024), Palazzo Blu offers another marvelous exhibit:
“Le Avanguardie – Capolavori dal Philadelphia Museum of Art” –

The Avant-garde – Masterpieces from the Philadelphia Museum of Art

♦ Forty masterworks, all from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, are thoughtfully presented with an “exhibition path” that chronicles and walks us through the often turbulent times and the influences upon lives and works of of 20th century masters such as Picasso, Miro, Kandinsky, Leger, Mondrian, Klee, Chagall and Matisse.

♦ With no distracting crowds, as you are guided from gallery to gallery, your personal experience is enhanced and enriched by the thoughtful and meticulously planned display of the works along with accompanying biographical notes.

The entry, exhibition path and gallery of artists…

♦ Informative, interesting, and intimate, this compelling and immensely enjoyable exhibit expanded my knowledge and rewarded me with new insights and a new appreciation for the artists and their works.

♦ Here are just a few…

Henri Matisse…always lush and appealing…

Picasso’s Self Portrait and Kandinsky’s Circles within a Circle…

♦ Two other of the many works that I found enthralling:

Top: Jean Metzinger’s “L’ora del te” (Woman with a teaspoon was rechristened as the “Mona Lisa of Cubism”)

Bottom: “Sailor with a Guitar” by Jacques Lipchitz

Without a doubt, this was a very worthwhile day trip! And if you are or will be in or near Pisa, I encourage you to visit!

♦ ♦ ♦

♦ Palazzo Blu – a 15 minute walk from Pisa Centrale!
Lungarno Gambacorti, 9
avanguardiepisa.it
itpalazzoblu.it