On one of my first walks through Florence, I noticed a building with slides going through the main courtyard. I couldn’t tell if it was a museum, playground or something else totally. I soon found out it was called the Florence Experiment and it is a science experiment that anyone can participate in.
The Florence Experiment was created by Carsten Holler and Stefano Mancuso. It is an experiment that looks at the effects of human emotions on different types of plants. Holler is known for his work focusing on the interaction between technology, art and science.
For 7 euro, or 5 if you are a student under the age of 26, you can participate in the study by sliding down a 20 meter, or 65 foot, slide with a plant in your lap. You slide on a small mat, which makes your ride down very fast. You can also be chosen to watch a scary movie or a comedy for a few minutes while being surrounded by plants.
After going down the slide, you return your plant to the laboratory or you can be chosen to watch one of the movies. You can also take a plant home with you, which helps justify the cost of participating.
“I wanted to do the Florence Experiment to contribute to science,” said Melissa Echenique, a student that did the slide. “It seemed like a fun and quirky way to do it and I also found the experiment itself to be interesting.”
In their labs, the scientists look at the “photosynthesis parameters and the molecules emitted in response to the siding experience,” according to Palazzo Strozzi’s website.
I did not participate in watching the movie. However, it would be a good time if you have a few minutes. There are both horror and comedy films and they list what movies will be playing. The list for horror movies can be seen below.
The slide was fun, you go very fast and is very exciting to do, but the cost is a bit steep for participating in an experiment that only takes 30 seconds to complete. I would advise only doing this activity if you have spare euros to spend. Getting a plant at the end is a nice bonus, but not everyone is offered a plant. If you are traveling with kids, this is also something fun to do with the whole family. Keep in mind, however, there is a height requirement.
“My favorite part was at the end of the slide when you return your plant and can take one of them home that was already don with the experiment,” Echenique said.
Palazzo Strozzi also has many other exhibits to offer. They currently are hosting “Dawn of a Nation” until July 22nd. “Dawn of a Nation” is about the politics of Italy in the 1950s-60s and it includes conceptual art, video and much more. The slides will be there until August 26th, 2018. To keep up-to-date on Strozzi’s interesting and modern exhibits, visit their website.
Overall, the Florence Experiment is a unique experience that you cannot do in every other city. It is something only Florence has to offer, so spending a few extra euros to participate is worth it.
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