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"Lorenzo il Magnifico"
International Award for Art


The “Lorenzo il Magnifico” International Award, presented at each edition of the Florence Biennale, is named in honor of Lorenzo de’ Medici, known as the Magnificent (1449–1492)—a central figure of the Italian Renaissance and one of history’s most renowned patrons of the arts. This award evokes the history of Florence in an age of splendour of the arts, of which we wish an enduring renascence at the time of Lorenzo de’ Medici. The award is dedicated to him to underline the Florentine nature of the event and to connect it ideally to its important artistic history in the emblematic figure of the great patron and promoter of the Renaissance Arts. The relief portrait of that Florentine humanist and patron of the arts on the medal conferred with the award that bears his name was made by the sculptor Mario Pachioli.

At every edition, exhibiting artists who distinguish themselves through the quality of their work are selected for this award by an International Jury composed of leading figures from the art and cultural sectors.

The artists compete in a range of art categories, which, in the XV edition of the Florence Biennale, includes:
Ceramic Art; Digital Art; Drawing, Calligraphy and Printmaking; Installation Art; Jewellery Art and Design; Mixed Media; Painting; Performance Art; Photography; Sculpture; Textile & Fiber Art; Video Art.
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  • In addition to the competition prizes, the Florence Biennale also confers two special awards:
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  • • The “Lorenzo il Magnifico” International Lifetime Achievement Award, granted to individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the world of art and culture.
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  • • The “Lorenzo il Magnifico” President’s Award, assigned at the discretion of Pasquale Celona, President of the Florence Biennale, to artists recognized for their distinguished work in advancing and promoting contemporary art.
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  • Both awards are presented during an official ceremony in the presence of the honored artists.
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Premio Internazionale
"Leonardo da Vinci" per il Design


On the occasion of the 2019 edition, the Florence Biennale introduced a new exhibition section entirely dedicated to the world of design. This initiative gained particular significance in the year that marked the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci—an emblematic figure of the Renaissance and a timeless symbol of the fusion between art, science, and innovation.

Leonardo’s eclectic thought and extraordinarily multifaceted work, which seamlessly combined scientific ingenuity with artistic sensitivity, serve as the ideal model and inspiration for the structure of this new section. In tribute to his legacy, the awards presented within the design section bear his name and are assigned by an International Jury composed of distinguished experts in the field.

The “Leonardo da Vinci” International Award for Design is granted to the best exhibiting designers, selected by an International Jury across six categories:
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  • • Architecture and Town Design
  • • Industrial and Product Design
  • • Fashion and Jewellery Design
  • • Interior Design
  • • Communication and Graphic Design
  • • Technology and Game Design
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In addition to this award, the Florence Biennale also presents two special distinctions:

• The “Leonardo da Vinci” International Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed upon individuals or organizations whose work has made a significant contribution to creativity and innovation in contemporary design.

• The “Leonardo da Vinci” President’s Award, conferred at the discretion of Florence Biennale President Pasquale Celona, to designers recognized for their outstanding efforts in advancing and promoting the culture of design.

These two honors are presented during an official award ceremony attended by the recipients.

Over the years, the Florence Biennale has welcomed and honored some of the most influential names in the international design and architecture scene, including:
Ferrari and Pininfarina (Lorenzo il Magnifico Award for Design, 2003),
Harley-Davidson (Lorenzo il Magnifico Award for Design, 2005),
Agatha Ruiz De La Prada (Lorenzo il Magnifico Lifetime Achievement Award, 2011),
Arata Isozaki (Lorenzo il Magnifico Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017).
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