Garage Italia – Via Fiesolana, 19 – Florence

Opening toast and small buffet, 50 meters away, at:

When we look at a work of art, we ask ourselves what it truly tells us, what hidden story lies beyond what we see. With the same perspective, we can also look at the tale of Pinocchio.

Re-reading Carlo Collodi’s story, it almost appears as a large painting populated by figures and symbols: 25 animals, others only hinted at, and around twenty characters — including the Fairy — moving around a simple piece of wood destined to become life.

That piece of wood becomes the center of a world made of irony, spite, freedom, a sense of justice, simplicity, and truth. All elements deeply rooted in the Tuscan spirit.

A surprising interpretative key also comes from the book Damned Tuscans by Curzio Malaparte, where the author vividly describes the Tuscan character: a love for irony, sharp wit, mockery, the cruel lightness with which the world is observed, but also a strong sense of freedom and justice.

From this perspective, Pinocchio appears as a true “damned Tuscan.”

Mauro Boninsegni’s exhibition interprets this universe through 25 works dedicated to the animals of the tale—symbolic figures that accompany, guide, or deceive the puppet along his journey.

An artistic journey into the most famous fairy tale in the world, where Collodi’s imagination meets contemporary sensibility.

The exhibition will take place on April 17, 2026, from 5:00 PM, at the evocative Garage Italia, Via Fiesolana 19 in Florence—an unusual and fascinating space in the heart of the city. Opening toast and a small buffet 50 meters away at Porcontento!