Giardino dell’Iris 2026

Florence’s Iris Garden (Giardino dell’Iris) 2026 Bloom Season

Florence’s Iris Garden (Giardino dell’Iris) is confirmed to open for its 2026 bloom season from April 25 to May 20, 2026, welcoming visitors daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30) with free admission beside Piazzale Michelangelo. If you want a spring moment in Florence that feels local, photogenic, and wonderfully calm, this short seasonal opening is one of the city’s most rewarding “only in late April and May” experiences.

Giardino dell’Iris 2026: Confirmed Opening Dates, Hours, and Entry

The Società Italiana dell’Iris confirms the Iris Garden’s public opening days for 2026 as 25 April – 20 May 2026, with free entry. Artbonus, which provides official-style cultural site information, also confirms that from 25 April to 20 May the garden has free access every day from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30.

This is a seasonal opening, not a year-round garden visit. Artbonus explains that outside the bloom window, visits are possible by appointment via email, which is useful if you are traveling in a different season and still want to include the garden in your Florence itinerary.

Why the Iris Garden is Special in Florence

The Giardino dell’Iris is not just pretty; it’s tied to Florence’s identity. The Italian Iris Society explains that the garden was created in 1954 to host an annual international iris competition, the “Premio Firenze,” and emphasizes Florence’s historical link to the iris symbol. Artbonus echoes the same origin story, noting the garden was established in 1954 for the international competition and that the city emblem is an iris (often mistaken for a lily).

Artbonus also provides a helpful scale detail for travelers: it reports that during the bloom period the garden is visited by about 35,000 people, showing how beloved this short opening is. Even with that popularity, the garden’s layout and hillside setting can still feel peaceful if you visit at the right times.

Location and Views: A Garden Beside Piazzale Michelangelo

The Italian Iris Society states the garden is located on the east side of Piazzale Michelangelo, on the area referred to as “Podere dei Bastioni,” and describes the site as roughly two and a half hectares with paths, terraces, and views over Florence. Artbonus also places the garden on the north-east side of Piazzale Michelangelo and highlights the landscape context of the hill.

For visitors, this location is a gift. You can combine the Iris Garden with one of Florence’s most iconic viewpoints at Piazzale Michelangelo, then continue up toward San Miniato al Monte or back down toward the Oltrarno for cafés and artisan shops.

What You’ll See in Bloom Season: Varieties, Terraces, and Photo Moments

The garden exists to showcase iris diversity. The Italian Iris Society describes the garden’s zones as hosting collections including:

• Tall and border bearded irises
• Intermediate and dwarf bearded irises
• Japanese, Siberian, Louisiana varieties
• Spontaneous species
• Other ornamental plants

Artbonus underscores the garden’s significance as a specialized iris collection, describing it as the first botanical garden of its kind focused on iris and highlighting its scientific value.

If you love photography, this is one of Florence’s most satisfying spring spots. You get layered color on terraced slopes, close-up detail shots, and wide panoramas with Florence in the background, all within a visit that can easily fit into a half-day.

Best Time of Day to Visit

Because the garden is open 10:00–18:00, your light and crowd experience will change throughout the day. Late morning often gives bright color for the flowers, while later afternoon can bring warmer light for city-view photos.

If you want a quieter walk, aim for a weekday opening hour or a later slot. This is especially helpful during peak spring weekends when Piazzale Michelangelo itself can get busy.

Practical Visitor Tips: Rules, Groups, and How to Get There

The Italian Iris Society notes that dogs are not allowed, except guide dogs in service. It also states that groups larger than 10 people (schools, guided groups, or others) must arrange entry in advance via email at least three days before, and that each group cannot exceed 25 people.

There is also a weather-related note: for safety in bad weather, the garden management reserves the right to close without notice. That’s common for hillside gardens and outdoor sites, so it’s smart to keep a flexible plan and have a nearby indoor alternative in mind, like a museum visit in central Florence.

For public transport, the Italian Iris Society provides a concrete option from Santa Maria Novella station area, referencing bus line 12. If you’re walking, treat the approach as part of the experience, since the climb toward Piazzale Michelangelo is one of Florence’s classic scenic routes.

How to Build a Florence Spring Day Around the Iris Garden

The Iris Garden’s limited opening window makes it feel like a seasonal treasure. A simple way to plan your day:

• Start in the historic center with coffee and a quick landmark loop.
• Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo and visit the Iris Garden during its opening hours.
• Continue to a viewpoint walk or a relaxed lunch in Oltrarno, then end the day with gelato and an evening stroll along the Arno.

If you are traveling with family, the free entry is a big bonus. If you are traveling solo, it’s a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy a quieter, greener side of Florence between major museum visits.

Verified Information at a Glance

• Event name: Giardino dell’Iris (Iris Garden) seasonal opening 2026
• Event category: Seasonal botanical garden opening (iris bloom season)
• Confirmed city: Florence (Firenze), Italy
• Confirmed location: Beside Piazzale Michelangelo (east / north-east side noted by official sources)
• Confirmed opening dates (2026 public season): April 25 to May 20, 2026
• Confirmed opening hours (bloom season): Daily 10:00–18:00, last entry 17:30
• Confirmed admission price: Free entry
• Verified access outside season: Visits possible by appointment via email
• Verified rules: No dogs except guide dogs; groups over 10 must pre-arrange, max group size 25
• Verified transit note: Bus line 12 is listed as an option from Santa Maria Novella area
• Verified visitor volume statistic: Around 35,000 visitors during bloom period (reported by Artbonus)

If Florence is on your 2026 calendar, try to time your trip between April 25 and May 20, climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo, and step into the Giardino dell’Iris while it’s in full color, because there are few spring experiences in Florence that feel as quietly magical, authentic, and unforgettable as this short seasonal opening.