Music has always played a very important part in the artistic life of Florence. In fact, the very first opera was created here at the end of the 16th century. The temple of Florentine music today is the Teatro Comunale, home to the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, one of the oldest and most important music festivals in Europe. Partially destroyed twice, in the bombing of 1944 and in the flood of 1966, the Comunale was quickly rebuilt, symbolizing the city's sense of responsibility and renewal. Other venues include Teatro Verdi and, in the summer, the Boboli Gardens of the Palazzo Pitti.

The historic Teatro Comunale will continue to host the major events of this season's 76th edition of the Maggio Musicale Festival, however, a few performances will be taking place in the brand new Teatro dell'Opera di Firenze, a 1,800-seat opera house with smaller concert halls and an outdoor facility for concerts, recitals and special events. Located on the western outskirts of Florence's historic center next to the Cascine Park, this strikingly contemporary theater complex was designed by ABDR, a Roman architectural firm, at the cost of 150 million euros.