During the Christmas season, Valdinievole offers numerous opportunities to discover local art, culture, and traditions.
The local museums, with their exhibitions and collections, will guide you on an exciting journey through the history of the region, from its origins to the present day.
Civic Museums of Monsummano Terme
The MAC,n – Museum of Contemporary Art and the 20th Century, with the exhibition Le temps retrouvé by Jeanne Isabelle Cornière, will be open during the usual hours (Monday, Thursday, Friday 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Wednesday 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM, closed on Tuesday). It will also be open on Tuesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 26, from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Wednesday, January 1, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and Monday, January 6, from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The museum will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 31.
Don’t miss Sunday, December 22, at 4:00 PM for the children’s workshop Nuvole d’inverno. Also, on Sunday, January 5, at 4:00 PM, there will be a guided tour of the Jeanne Isabelle Cornière exhibition.
The Museum of the City and the Territory of Monsummano Terme will remain open during the usual hours (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM). It will also be open on Tuesday, December 24, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Thursday, December 26, and Sunday, December 29, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 31, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and Monday, January 6, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In particular, on Saturday, December 14, and Saturday, December 21, from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM, an initiative by the Parents’ Committee of the Caponnetto Institute will take place, and on Sunday, December 15, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, there will be the last Domeniche al Planetario event of the year. Until Sunday, January 19, 2025, discover the second edition of the exhibition Mattoncino… su mattoncino, curated by ToscanaBricks, the LEGO® Users Group of Tuscany.
All entries are free of charge.
National Museum of Casa Giusti
The National Museum of Casa Giusti in Monsummano Terme will follow its usual hours (Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM). It will also be open on Thursday, December 26, and Monday, January 6. The museum will be closed on Christmas Day and Wednesday, January 8.
The museum preserves and enhances the birthplace of Giuseppe Giusti, a politically influential figure during the Lorena government. Through its interiors and decorations, the Casa-Museum offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family from the Pistoia area in the romantic atmosphere of the early 19th century.
Mo.C.A. – Montecatini Contemporary Art
The Mo.C.A – Civic Gallery celebrates the great master Joan Miró with the exhibition Joan Miró a Montecatini Terme, featuring the artwork Dona Voltada d’un Vol d’Ocell. Admission is free.
In addition to the usual opening hours, the Civic Gallery will be open on the following exceptional dates:
Wednesday, December 4, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 24, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, December 25, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Thursday, December 26, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Monday, December 30 and Tuesday, December 31, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, January 1, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Monday, January 6, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Palace of Tourism
Until Sunday, December 22, 2024, the Una vita per Montecatini exhibition, dedicated to Dino Scalabrino (1908-1974) on the 50th anniversary of his passing, will be on display at the Palazzo del Turismo in Montecatini Terme.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
In Montecatini Alto with the Funicular
During the holidays, take a ride on the Funicular connecting Montecatini Terme to Montecatini Alto and enjoy a truly unique experience.
The funicular is open every Saturday and Sunday in December from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with additional rides on December 24, 26, 31, and January 1, 4, and 5, 2025. Click here for more information.
Civic Archaeological Museum and Larciano Castle Tower
The Archaeological Museum of Larciano offers a unique insight into the history of the village, with a collection of materials from the eastern Valdinievole area and surrounding regions, taking visitors on a journey through history from prehistory to the late Renaissance. Additionally, during your visit, you can climb the Castle Tower to enjoy a stunning panoramic view.
During the Christmas holidays, the Museum and the Tower will follow their usual opening hours. They will also be open on Thursday, December 26, Wednesday, January 1, and Monday, January 6, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Christmas Day.
Info: Visit Larciano
Church of San Michele Arcangelo
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Ponte Buggianese, with its impressive cycle of paintings by Pietro Annigoni and his students, will be open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Pietro Annigoni (1910-1988), after spending part of his early youth in Milan, moved to Florence in 1925 and attended the Academy of Fine Arts. He became known for using ancient techniques inspired by the study of Renaissance painters, in stark contrast to Modernism and Postmodernism. Also appreciated internationally, he painted portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John XXIII, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and many other prominent figures of his time.
The Paper Museum
Photo credit: Claudio Minghi
The Paper Museum of Pescia will remain open with its usual hours throughout the Christmas holidays: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Epiphany.
Don’t miss the event I sabati del Direttore on Saturday, December 21, at 11:00 AM, to discover the history and collection of the museum with a special guide. Additionally, on Saturday, December 18 and 28, at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, join an expert paper-maker to visit the 18th-century paper mill and create a precious handcrafted item live.
Pinocchio Park
For the Christmas holidays, the Pinocchio Park in Collodi, along with the park and Villa Garzoni, will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It will also be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Epiphany.
From December 21 to January 6, 2025, Magico Natale con Pinocchio a Collodi returns, with workshops, shows, mascots, and much more, all with a Christmas theme.