The Man Behind It All

Salvatore Ferragamo, a native of Naples, found his passion for shoe making at the age of 9 when he made shoes for his sister’s confirmation. In 1914, he emigrated to Boston before moving to Santa Barbara then Hollywood.
In Hollywood, he found success among celebrities with his made to measure custom shoes. He returned to Italy in 1927. Landing in Florence he continued to design shoes until he passed away in 1960. 

The Museum

The museum has a collection of over 10,000 models, designed by Salvatore Ferragamo between the 1920s and 1960, that are shown on a rotating basis. Twice a year shoes are chosen based on a theme that represents a specific theme.

The museum also has the foot molds of countless celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Madonna and Michael Jordan.

Currently On Display

The current exhibit Tra Arte e Moda? (Is fashion art?) pairs famous works of art from the Pre-Raphaelite, Surrealism, Futurism and Pop Art with the famous shoes of Ferragamo. The theory behind the exhibit is the blending of art and fashion and how we can no longer separate the two mediums. One of the most notable examples is a pair of suede pumps inspired by an acrylic painting of a bullseye by Kenneth Noland.

Where To Find It?

The museum is in the basement of Palazzo Spini Feroni, Via Tornabuoni n. 2

Open everyday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: 6 euros