by Mat Dirjish

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is currently hosting an exclusive exhibition: “The Medici Dynasty: Renaissance in Florence.” Open now and running through April 12, 2026, the exhibition is in the museum’s Dorothy Jenkins Gallery and Harper Family Gallery and features more than 60 Renaissance-era portraits and artifacts on loan from the Museo Stibbert of Florence, Italy. 

Martina Becattini, curator at the Museo Stibbert, said “The Museo Stibbert and Contemporanea Progetti of Florence, Italy, are very pleased to bring this special exhibition to the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. We believe it offers viewers an opportunity to enjoy and admire exceptional works of artistic merit, but also gain a deeper educational appreciation for the history of the Italian Renaissance as it unfolded in Florence and the quintessential role of the Medici dynasty in those events.”

The Medici family were one of Europe’s most influential dynasties. Leveraging their wealth and political influence, they supported classical learning, artistic innovation, and scientific curiosity across Europe. The exhibition provides deep insights into how the Medici’s combination of leadership, ambition, and artistic vision cemented them into Western history.

Interim executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Daryl Ward explains, “The Medici exhibit is an exciting moment in the history of our museum and community. It features work seen in the United States for the first time and I’m confident visitors will marvel at both the provenance and the beauty of this exhibit.”

The Medici Dynasty: Renaissance in Florence is on view now and will run through April 12, 2026. For deeper details and visiting hours, visit the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art website. | info@matdirjish.com |