Discover what Sorrento’s vibrant cultural scene has to offer when you visit the Sorrento Foundation. This artistic institution is housed inside Villa Fiorentino, a beautiful American-style house from the 1930s that presents concerts, art exhibitions, literary readings and many other events.
To find out what’s going on at the villa visit the Sorrento Foundation’s official website for details of schedules and prices. This will also include cultural happenings such as classical music concerts and art exhibitions at other venues across the city.
Your Sorrento vacation may coincide with temporary art exhibitions at the villa that showcase the work of some of the biggest names the art world has ever produced. Previously, the foundation has hosted retrospectives of such artistic luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali and Francis Bacon.
Even if there are no exhibitions or concerts scheduled during your vacation, make a point of visiting the villa for its one permanent exhibition. This is located in the basement and is a collection of carillons or Sorrento music boxes. These are handmade inlaid wood boxes mounted on furniture. They were bequeathed to the foundation by a Sorrento artisan and among them are pieces created in the city and elsewhere.
While you are visiting the Sorrento Foundation take some time out to relax in the attractive gardens that surround the villa. Wander among colorful blooms and fragrant orange trees and find the attractive wall mosaic of majolica tiles depicting St. Francis. This 12th and 13th-century friar and preacher is one of the patron saints of Italy.
The Sorrento Foundation at the Villa Fiorentino is located on the Corso Italia, Sorrento’s main shopping street in the center of the city. The venue doesn’t have its own parking facilities but there are garages in the area where you can pay to park. Alternatively, walk west from the Piazza Tasso, the main square for about 5 minutes.
