Ghiberti’s Masterpiece in Dialogue with Contemporary Art – ‘The Path to Paradise’ Exhibition, Open until 11th November 2025 at the Sala d’Arme, in Palazzo Vecchio

City Events

Florence, 3rd November 2025. Exactly 600 years after Lorenzo Ghiberti had signed the contract to decorate the North Door of the Baptistery, the evocative exhibition ‘The Path to Paradise – Verso il Paradiso’ opened today inside the Sala d’Arme at Palazzo Vecchio. The exhibition, promoted by Galleria Frilli in Florence and by the American Pneuma Art Foundation, aims to celebrate the close connection between past and present, following the traces of the gilded bronze panels created by the Florentine artist for the Baptistery’s North Door. The exhibition has allowed 37 contemporary artists – selected through a special competition from around the world – to reinterpret the Renaissance masterpiece with their own unique style.

“This project is not a tribute to the past, but a vibrant recognition of Ghiberti’s enduring influence, which continues to inspire and amaze,” said Giovanni Bettarini, Councilor of Culture for the Municipality of Florence. “The exhibition project is particularly significant – juxtaposing the magnificent replicas of Ghiberti’s ten panels with contemporary works inspired by the same Old Testament stories creates a stimulating dialogue. I would like to thank Galleria Frilli and the Pneuma Art Foundation for this exhibition, and to invite all citizens and visitors not to miss this unique opportunity to reflect on the inextricable link between Florence’s ancient splendour and its inexhaustible capacity to inspire the future.”

“Galleria Frilli is proud to confirm its position as an organisation that promotes a contemporary artistic language that evokes beauty,” added Clara Marinelli of Galleria Frilli in Florence. “With this exhibition, the organisation shows its commitment to keeping high-quality craftsmanship, and the art of ‘savoir-faire’ alive.”

“Ghiberti’s legacy is the compass that has guided us this far. His stories are multidimensional – they blend Abrahamic philosophy, Renaissance humanism, and personal experience to create a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire,” commented Luna Jasmine Gordon, curator of the exhibition.

(Fiamma Domestici)