From 14 March to 26 July 2026, Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi presents one of the most significant exhibitions ever devoted in Italy to Mark Rothko (1903–1970), the undisputed master of American modern art.
This unique retrospective explores Rothko’s profound connection with the city of Florence, unfolding across multiple venues: from the Renaissance halls of Palazzo Strozzi, to the Museum of San Marco in dialogue with the frescoes of Beato Angelico, and the vestibule of the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana designed by Michelangelo.
Curated by Christopher Rothko and Elena Geuna, the exhibition celebrates the influence of Renaissance art on Rothko’s vision. His first visit to Florence dates back to 1950, when he travelled to Italy with his wife Mell—a journey that marked the beginning of his fascination with the great masters of the 14th to 16th centuries.
The exhibition Rothko in Florence features a broad selection of works from the 1930s to 1970, including numerous large-scale paintings, many of which have never been shown in Italy, with prestigious loans from the artist’s family, international museums, and private collections.
The exhibition is promoted and organized by Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, with the significant collaboration of two important institutions of the Ministry of Culture: Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Toscana del Ministero della Cultura – Museo di San Marco and the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana.
Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi Public Supporters: Comune di Firenze, Regione Toscana, Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Camera di Commercio di Firenze.
Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi Private Supporters: Fondazione CR Firenze, Intesa Sanpaolo, Fondazione Hillary Merkus Recordati, Comitato dei Partner di Palazzo Strozzi.
Cover: Mark Rothko, No.3/No. 13, 1949, oil on canvas, cm 261.5 x 164.8, New York, MoMA-The Museum of Modern Art, Bequest of Mrs. Mark Rothko through The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc. 428.1981. © 1998 by Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York