Florence may be best known as the cradle of the Renaissance, home to Michelangelo, Botticelli, and years of famous artwork. But tucked between the fame, a creative event has been helping people experience art more casually in Florence: the Speakeasy Multilingual Art Crawl. It has quickly become a fun monthly celebration for locals, travelers, and artists. The idea for the art crawl originated from the creative group Chiasso Perduto, which aimed to create a space for modern art. Florence may have a bit of a reputation for being hard to break into socially, but this event was all about creating a more laid-back, creative space where people could actually connect. The team originally planned its first crawl to take place in early 2020, but was deterred due to COVID. However, they prevailed, and the long-awaited launch happened in early 2021. Though small and quiet, the event laid the groundwork for something much bigger to come.
Starting Small
What once began as a tiny gathering has now turned into a popular monthly event. On an average crawl, we welcome a community of around 30 to 40 people, and sometimes more. Each crawl consists of a mix of stops: an artist’s studio, a local gallery, or even a sculpture space tucked away in the Oltrarno neighborhood. No two events are the same. Recently, the events have begun near Via San Gallo at a local, friendly sculpture studio. It’s places like this that make the crawl so unique; you never know what to expect. One of the best parts? Many of the artists are there to greet you and inform you about their work. Visitors can chat with them, ask questions, and hear the stories behind the work. It’s casual, personal, and different from a typical gallery visit. What started as a side project is now growing in exciting ways. The organizer(s) are exploring new neighborhoods, inviting more artists, and thinking about creative new formats, like small shows in office spaces or collaborations with artist-friendly venues. The changes keep the event dynamic and fresh, while staying true to its original purpose: building connections through art.
A Friendly, Supportive Community
The crawl is not just about admiring local art; it’s about building relationships. Some art is for sale, but the focus is not on selling it’s about sharing, talking, and getting to know one another. There’s an emphasis on artists supporting artists, whether it’s buying each other’s work or just showing up. Unlike many traditional galleries, which can sometimes feel formal or intimidating, our crawl is open and welcoming. Anyone can join in, and everyone is encouraged to connect. This spirit was shown most in a recent event, April 5, 2025, when the crawl explored a brand-new neighborhood. Over 50 people came, and what started as a quiet event turned into a lively party. The energy was electric, proof that great things can happen when people come together to celebrate art.
What’s Next?
The Speakeasy Multilingual Art Crawl is still growing, and there is always room for you. There are many exciting new ideas for expansion, including hosting more events each month, exploring new art forms, and creating themed experiences. In a city that often looks to the past, the Speakeasy Multilingual Art Crawl is about celebrating the present and creating something new for the future. It’s a way for artists, art lovers, and just friends to come together, one neighborhood at a time.