Purpose/Activities

The Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz is one of the oldest research institutions dedicated to the History of Art and Architecture in Italy, where facets of European, Mediterranean and global history are subject to close scrutiny. Founded in 1897 on the private initiative of a group of independent scholars, it has been under the auspices of the Max Planck Society since 2002.

Approximately sixty scholars are currently employed at the Institute, which is run by two directors, and the promotion of international young scientists and academics is high on its internal agenda.

In addition to numerous individual research projects, those funded by third parties and a multiplicity of international collaboration with universities, museums and research institutes, Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz provides a platform for larger long- and medium-term projects whose subject matter ranges from Late Antiquity to the Modern Age.

The Institute's resources, including the library with over 310,000 volumes, some of which are extremely rare, 1000 ongoing journal subscriptions, and one of the most wide-ranging photographic libraries with around 600,000 pictures on Italian art, are placed at the disposal of researchers from all over the world.

With its programme of public academic events and up to 100 visitors daily, the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz is a unique, open platform for lively, international and interdisciplinary academic exchange.