The Shoemaker to the Stars exhibition of his life and most amazing creations from 1898 to 1960
If you’re a fashionista traveling to Florence, obsessed with shoes and the art of craftsmanship, a stop at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is an absolute must. Nestled in the heart of this iconic city, the museum offers an unparalleled showcase of Ferragamo’s extraordinary creations—each piece a testament to his mastery of design, innovation, and comfort. Florence, known for its rich cultural heritage, is also home to one of the greatest pioneers in the world of luxury footwear. The museum invites you to step into Ferragamo’s world and experience the passion that elevated shoes from everyday objects to works of art. Whether you’re an admirer of fashion history, a lover of Italian craftsmanship, or simply captivated by the beauty of shoes, the Ferragamo Museum is an essential destination in Florence.
In the same building, you’ll also find the stunning Ferragamo boutique, where you can shop for the latest spectacular fashion pieces. From beautifully crafted footwear to elegant accessories and luxurious clothing, the boutique offers a chance to take a piece of Ferragamo’s legacy home with you. It’s the perfect way to round off your visit and indulge in the timeless luxury that the Ferragamo name represents.
Salvatore Ferragamo, born on June 5, 1898, in Bonito, Italy, rose from humble beginnings to become a visionary in luxury footwear. At only nine, he crafted his first shoes, driven by an unwavering passion for shoemaking despite his father’s disapproval. In 1915, Ferragamo emigrated to the United States with only one dollar, where he quickly found success creating custom shoes for Hollywood’s elite, earning the title “shoemaker to the stars.” However, Ferragamo was dissatisfied with the quality of machine-made shoes and soon realized that only handmade shoes met his standards. In 1927, he returned to Italy to establish his own factory in Florence, combining artisanal craftsmanship with innovative production methods that sped up workflow without sacrificing quality.
Ferragamo’s relentless pursuit of innovation and dedication to comfort redefined the world of footwear. Studying anatomy, he pioneered designs that combined elegance with ergonomic precision. From introducing the cork wedge to creating interchangeable heel covers, Ferragamo’s innovations left an indelible mark on fashion, establishing his brand as a symbol of Italian luxury and creativity.
Located in the historic Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence, the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo celebrates the life, legacy, and creative genius of one of fashion’s most influential figures. Established in 1995 by the Ferragamo family, the museum honors Salvatore’s contributions to Italian craftsmanship and offers a deep dive into his creative journey, filled with innovations that forever changed footwear.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an impressive display of Ferragamo’s iconic shoes set against an artful black-and-white tiled floor, embodying the elegance and artistry that define the Ferragamo brand. Our editor-in-chief toured the museum with a passionate, knowledgeable guide who vividly brought Ferragamo’s history to life. Each room is uniquely curated, illustrating various facets of Ferragamo’s work and legacy. The standout for us was the Star Rooms, showcasing shoes designed for Hollywood legends, a testament to Ferragamo’s role as the “shoemaker to the stars.”
The Star Rooms are a highlight, filled with handcrafted wooden shoe models for some of Hollywood’s most iconic personalities. Here, you’ll find actual shoes made for stars like Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, and Marilyn Monroe, each pair a blend of luxury and functionality, crafted to perfection. These pieces capture Ferragamo’s unique ability to bring out the personality of each wearer, revealing a close connection with the glamorous figures who wore them.
The museum houses over 10,000 unique items, including sketches, prototypes, and original patents that showcase Ferragamo’s inventive spirit. His commitment to comfort is evident in his meticulous study of anatomy, which inspired him to create shoes that not only looked exquisite but also supported and protected the foot—establishing him as a “doctor of the feet.” This dedication to both comfort and elegance led him to countless innovations, like the revolutionary concept of interchangeable heel covers, allowing customers to transform their shoes with ease.
Among the patents on display is Ferragamo’s first invention, a tool created to help him move his leg after a terrible accident in California, which tragically claimed his brother’s life. This patent marked the beginning of Ferragamo’s path as an inventor, a title he would carry throughout his career.
Ferragamo’s creative experimentation extended to materials. The museum’s materials room showcases an array of leathers, including exotic varieties from rare species of fish, as well as unique creations using cellophane (a plastic used to wrap candies) and raffia. These materials exemplify Ferragamo’s fearless approach to pushing boundaries and his desire to create distinctive, lasting pieces.
One delightful artifact in the museum is a guest book from Ferragamo’s Florence store, filled with signatures and personal notes from 1940s and 1950s film icons who visited his shop. These messages capture the admiration and respect Ferragamo earned from Hollywood’s biggest stars, offering a personal touch that highlights his relationships with these legendary clients.
Today, the Ferragamo brand continues to flourish, guided by the Ferragamo family. After Ferragamo’s passing in 1960, his wife Wanda and their children took over, upholding his standards of quality and innovation. Under their stewardship, the brand has grown to encompass a wide range of luxury products, from scarves to fashion collections, each maintaining the founder’s devotion to craftsmanship and elegance.
The Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is more than a museum; it’s a testament to an enduring legacy. Each exhibit reflects Salvatore Ferragamo’s commitment to merging art with utility, luxury with comfort. Through this carefully curated collection, visitors are invited to experience the passion and artistry of one of fashion’s greatest masters, whose influence continues to inspire and captivate new generations around the world.
One hundred years ago, in 1923, Salvatore Ferragamo opened his first shop in Hollywood, in front of the Grauman’s Egyptian Theater, confirming his success in the United States, It was here that Ferragamo became famous creating iconic shoes for Hollywood’s elite, including for the film The Ten Commandments by Cecil B. DeMille. From that moment, Ferragamo’s production expanded to include shoes tailored for the cinema world.
This special project celebrates Ferragamo’s legacy, recalling the first retrospective exhibition on his work presented in 1985 at Palazzo Strozzi, which later traveled to prestigious museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum. This pioneering exhibition marked a new way of viewing fashion as a cultural expression.
Today, the 100 Years of Ferragamo exhibition revisits this history, presenting Ferragamo’s creations not only for their aesthetic value but also as documents of his entrepreneurial spirit, anatomical knowledge, craftsmanship, and innovation. The museum continues to showcase the enduring influence of Ferragamo on Italian craftsmanship and design, with a special focus on how his work helped define the Made in Italy movement post-war.
This exhibition runs until April 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the lasting legacy of a master who transformed footwear into a true art form.
https://museo.ferragamo.com/it/salvatore-ferragamo-1898-1960
