The Museum is located in the monumental complex designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, home to the Istituto degli Innocenti of which the Museum is a part.

Originally created to exhibit the artworks of the ancient Hospital, a large center for children, the Museum has been transformed into a journey that allows visitors to discover a cultural heritage unique in the world because it is deeply connected to the activities carried out in favor of children who could not be raised by their original families.

The path unfolds through art, history, and architecture composing a narrative that links the past and present of the Istituto degli Innocenti, which for six centuries has been committed to promoting children's rights. The unity between artworks, architecture, and documentary memory testifies to a never-ending history of hospitality and assistance to children and families: a continuity between the ancient Hospital and the Institute, now a public company providing services to individuals (ASP) committed to promoting the rights of children and adolescents through the management of educational and reception services, as well as training, research, and documentation activities. Since 2020, it has spaces equipped for international temporary exhibitions, with an average of six exhibitions per year.

From May 19 to October 8, 2023, some shots by one of the greatest exponents of contemporary photography will be exhibited: the Museo degli Innocenti will host the temporary exhibition Children by Steve McCurry.

His career took off when he crossed the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan to document the Soviet-Afghan war in the late 1970s.

His photographs captured the struggles and humanity of the Afghan people during this tumultuous period.

One of McCurry's most famous photographs, known as "Afghan girl," was taken in a refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1984. The image of a young Afghan girl with green eyes has become an iconic representation of the difficult situation of refugees worldwide.

Throughout his career, McCurry has traveled extensively, photographing different cultures and conflicts in countries such as India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Tibet, and many others. His photographs often highlight the human element within these contexts, revealing emotions, stories, and connections.

His skill in the use of color, empathy, and humanity in his photos make them unforgettable, making him one of the most famous and beloved photographers.

The use of portraiture is a focal theme in his production.

Discover his shots and the stories of the children featured in the exhibition.

The exhibition, sponsored by the Municipality of Florence, is produced by Civita Mostre e Musei in collaboration with In Your Event by Cristoforo, with the support and collaboration of Unicoop Firenze, I Gigli, Mercato Centrale, LABA. The exhibition curated by Biba Giacchetti with Melissa Camilli from the SudEst57 team, promoted by the Municipality of Florence, in collaboration with the Istituto degli Innocenti, produced and organized by Civita Mostre e Musei with In Your Event by Cristoforo SCS, and realized with the support of Unicoop Firenze, I Gigli, and Mercato Centrale, will be open from May 19 until October 8, 2023 in the spaces of the Museo degli Innocenti.