Opera at Teatro Niccolini
An opening night performance featuring principal soloists from the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, performing celebrated Italian operatic masterpieces.
NOVEMBER 2026 FESTIVAL
Rising from the Arno
Commemorating 60 Years of Art, Resilience & Stewardship in Florence, Italy.
EXPLORE THE 2026 FESTIVALABOUT RISING FROM THE ARNO
60 Years of Resilience, Art, and Restoration
In November 1966, a catastrophic flood inundated Florence, submerging thousands of priceless artworks, historic manuscripts, and master artisan workshops under 18 feet of water. The international rescue effort—led by the historic Angeli del Fango (Mud Angels)—remains one of the greatest cultural restoration achievements in human history.
Commemorating six decades of restoration, this landmark week convenes international symposia, classical performances, masterclasses, and historic walking tours across Florence.
1966 — CULTURAL RESCUE
1966 — The Great Flood & The Mud Angels
On November 4, 1966, the Arno River overflowed its banks, submerging Florence under 18 feet of water and mud. Over 14,000 irreplaceable artworks and millions of rare manuscripts were pushed to the brink of destruction.
The crisis sparked an unprecedented global response. Thousands of young international volunteers—affectionately known as the Angeli del Fango (Mud Angels)—flocked to Florence to rescue its cultural treasures. This historic mobilization birthed modern conservation, establishing the city as the world authority in art restoration science.
2026 — PRESERVATION & STEWARDSHIP
2026 — Six Decades of Restoration Science
Six decades later, Rising from the Arno honors the enduring legacy of the Mud Angels and the world-renowned master artisans who preserved Florence's soul.
Through live restoration masterclasses, public symposia, and collaborative climate initiatives, the 2026 festival bridges historic preservation with modern environmental stewardship. By applying lessons learned from 1966, we continue to safeguard global cultural heritage against contemporary climate risks.
PROGRAM & EVENTS
Schedule of Events
Solemn Mass & Procession to the Arno
A solemn commemorative mass honoring the legacy of the 1966 flood, followed by a public procession to the Ponte alle Grazie.
Virtual Flood Exhibit & David Lees Archives
A virtual presentation of historic images from the 1966 flood, showcasing iconic photography by David Lees within Palazzo Vecchio’s historic medieval space.
Rhode Island–Florence Economic Partnership Forum
A bilateral forum convening leaders from Rhode Island, Florence, and Tuscany. This gathering translates decades of cultural ties into active partnerships across key sectors.
Solidarity without Borders
A special presentation connecting American students in Florence with the extraordinary history of their predecessors—the Mud Angels—who helped save Florence's cultural treasures in 1966.
Children’s Chorus at Santa Maria Novella
An inspiring concert inside Florence's famed Gothic-Renaissance basilica, where young vocalists deliver a captivating repertoire blending operatic favorites with contemporary sacred and secular choral works.
Rescuing Beauty from the Waters
Exclusive guided tours hosted by Friends of Florence, offering rare access to restored masterpieces across Florence's premier cultural institutions.
Mozart’s Requiem
The festival grand finale honoring transatlantic cultural stewardship, featuring a combined performance by the Accademia del Maggio and the Rhode Island Philharmonic.
A Treasure Within a Treasure
An exclusive tour of Artemisia in Florence at the historic Museum of the Innocenti, exploring the formative Florentine years of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi.
TRANSATLANTIC ARCHIVES & RETROSPECTIVES
From Historical Memory to Active Preservation
Trace 27 years of cultural stewardship—from our 2024 Sott'Acqua retrospective linking flood resilience in Providence and Florence, to our founding festival series across major American cities.
In The Press
Explore featured articles, print publications, and media coverage.
PRINT FEATURE
Maggio Musicale Marks Flood Anniversary with Free Concerts
Maggio Musicale and Splendor of Florence present free concerts across historic venues, honoring the 1966 flood anniversary and Florence's enduring artistic heritage.
PRINT FEATURE
R.I. Business Leaders Eye Opportunity in Italy
Rhode Island business and civic leaders convene with Tuscan counterparts in Florence to explore transatlantic opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, and economic partnership.
PRINT FEATURE
Joyce Acciaioli Rudge Honored with Florence Ambassador Award
Joyce Acciaioli Rudge was recognized with the Florence Ambassador Award for her outstanding dedication to strengthening international ties and supporting Florentine cultural heritage.
PRINT FEATURE
Providence-Founded Splendor of Florence Festival is Heading to Italy
Members of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will perform internationally for the first time in Florence for the festival that commemorates the 1966 flooding of the Arno River.
PRINT FEATURE
Florence & Providence Ties Advance With Italy Concert
The historic partnership between Providence and Florence reaches a new milestone as the Rhode Island Philharmonic performs in Italy to celebrate decades of transatlantic exchange.
PRESS OFFICE
Media & Press Inquiries
Connect with our communications team for official press releases, interview bookings, and credentialing.
WITH GRATITUDE TO OUR SPONSORS
Festival Benefactors & Cultural Partners
DIPLOMATIC & CULTURAL PARTNER
U.S. Consulate General Florence
PLATINUM SPONSOR
City of Providence
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GoProvidence
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Providence Tourism Council
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
PROGRAM & ARTISTIC PARTNER
Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School
PROGRAM & ARTISTIC PARTNER
Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
PROGRAM & ARTISTIC PARTNER
Friends of Florence
PATRON CIRCLE
GOLD SPONSORS
- Brightstar Lottery
- Adele Carlson
- Donna Paolino
- Joseph Perroni
- Rhode Island Foundation
- David, Kristen & Susan Winoker
SILVER SPONSORS
- Mari Bianco
- Janet Field
- KPMG
- Pam Murphy
- Anthony Scillia
- Thomas A. Tanury
- Jennifer F. Whitman
BRONZE SPONSORS
- Blue Dog Capital
- Lois Coppolino
- Linda Fischer
- Mary Ann Guertin
- Dr. Edward A. Iannuccilli
- Michael Lee
- Joan Moran
- Ellen Piccerelli
- Inna & Scott Walker