Palazzo Lanfredini is an early 16th c. palace designed by Baccio d’Agnolo with magnificent views across the river Arno. The Palace houses The British Institute of Florence, a language and Cultural Centre founded in 1917 with the aim of developing cultural understanding between the UK and Italy through the teaching of their respective languages and cultures.
In 1923 it was granted a Royal Charter and in 1953 was recognised in the Anglo-Italian Cultural Convention as an official representative of British culture in Italy. Today the Institute offers a broad range of courses from Italian language to History of Art and Italian culture, in addition to providing courses in English language and culture for non-native speakers.
Its Harold Acton Library holds approximately 50,000 volumes on open access and is one of the largest collections of English books in Italy. The collection focuses on History of Art, English Literature, Italian history and travel, English history and music. The Institute also hosts and organises conferences and events all year around.
For any information:
Biblioteca e Centro Culturale, Palazzo Lanfredini Lungarno Guicciardini 9 (055 26778270). Open 10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri. Admission: free.
