Villa Medicea La Magia

About the museum

The ancient fortified settlement with its estate was bought in 1583 by Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici, who promoted the renovation of the whole complex, practically completed in January 1585. In the same year work began on an artificial lake, now disappeared, linked to the villa by a wide avenue; the design is attributed to Bernardo Buontalenti. It was the first grand-ducal investment on the eastern slopes of the Montalbano and was part of the system of Medici villas used as stopping points for hunting.

In 1645 the property was sold to Pandolfo Attavanti and, after the extinction of that family, passed to the Ricasoli in 1752 and to Giulio Giuseppe Amati in 1766, to whom the layout of part of the garden, the lemon house and the monumental gate are owed. Later it belonged to the Amati Cellesi counts.

Since the 2000s the villa has belonged to the Municipality of Quarrata, and since 2013 it has been part of the UNESCO list “Ville e Giardini Medicei in Toscana” (Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany). In the museum park “Lo Spirito del Luogo” are contemporary artworks created specifically for the site.

Highlights

• Fortified Medici villa of the 16th century
• Museum park of contemporary art “Lo Spirito del Luogo”
• Frescoed salone and ricetto on the piano nobile
• Giuseppe Gavazzi collection in the Tinaia
• Historic garden with lemon house

Permanent exhibitions

• Parco-museo «Lo Spirito del Luogo» – Permanent collection of contemporary art in the park, with works by artists such as Daniel Buren, Maurizio Nannucci and Anne and Patrick Poirier.
• Collezione Giuseppe Gavazzi – Works by the sculptor Giuseppe Gavazzi, housed in the villa’s Tinaia.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Comune di Quarrata

Admission & discounts

Payment is accepted only in cash and on site.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The lift may only be used by accompanied people with disabilities. The toilet next to the lift, on the ground floor, is reserved for people with disabilities and must be requested from the staff. Only assistance dogs are admitted into the villa.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Limonaia, the Tinaia and the Scuderie are available for use; civil weddings can be celebrated. Information from the Mayor’s Office of the Municipality of Quarrata, +39 0573 771 266.

Plan your visit