If you happen to visit Florence in the next weeks you will be captured by a new contemporary monument in Piazza della Signoria. Believe it or not, together with the Michelangelo’s David, Ammanati’s Neptune, Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes you will see Jeff Koons’ Pluto and Proserpina, just in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

As you can easily imagine, the installation is making a lot of noise around Florence and there are those who think that such a contemporary artwork should not be exhibited in the cradle of the Renaissance, because it spoils the beauty of the city, they say.

Beyond the personal aesthetic judgment, Pluto and Proserpina is one of the most famous sculptures of Koons (one of the most famous American living artist), more than three meters high, steel mirror polished and gold chrome plated. Undoubtedly it will be a dazzling presence during our tours of Florence and even more at night, when it will be lit up by artificial light.

Like it or not, it is the first time in five hundred years that an original statue is placed in front of the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio. At first glance, it could be a bit “surprising”, but as we use to say, it’s one more reason to take a tour of Florence.

[The installation is part of the Jeff Koons in Florence event which includes also another statue, Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun), plaster mold reproducing the ancient Barberini Faun with a blue mirror ball in precarious position, exhibited in the rooms of the Palazzo Vecchio]