Italian artworks head to Phoenix Art Museum next month

"Florentine Baroque: The Haukohl Collection" features 17th- and 18th-century works that are rarely seen outside of Italy.

By Jennifer Goldberg

July 22, 2025

Image: Alessandro Gherardini (1655-1726), "The Annunciation to the Immaculate Virgin." Oil on canvas. Haukohl Collection.

Alessandro Gherardini (1655-1726), "The Annunciation to the Immaculate Virgin." Oil on canvas. Haukohl Collection. MNAHA, Tom Lucas

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It's about 6,000 miles from Phoenix to the city of Florence, Italy. But fans of Florentine art don't have to go any farther than Central Avenue and McDowell Road to enjoy some.

Next month, Phoenix Art Museum will open a new exhibition, "Florentine Baroque: The Haukohl Collection." The works in the show comprise a superlative collection of historically significant works from 17th- and 18th-century Florence that are rarely seen outside of Italy.

“Phoenix Art Museum is excited to present the Arizona and Southwest premiere of Florentine Baroque: The Haukohl Collection,'” Jeremy Mikolajczak, the Museum’s Sybil Harrington Director and CEO, said in an announcement. “This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for our audiences to explore works from a specific place and art historical period that are not prominently represented in the Phoenix Art Museum Collection. Additionally, it is the only chance to view these stunning sculptures, paintings, and more in the Southwest. We are grateful to Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl for his partnership in bringing this collection to our visitors.”

The collection was assembled over more than 40 years by Haukohl, a Houston-based art collector and co-founder of the Medici Archive Project. The exhibition uncovers the splendor and significance of the Florentine Baroque art movement and features gilded paintings and delicate sculptures that demonstrate the distinctive Florentine Baroque style, known for its poetic and colorful symbolism.

“The Haukohl Philanthropies are thrilled to be working with the experienced curatorial and management team of Phoenix Art Museum. We are delighted to loan the Medici Collection to the museum for one year and work with the Arizona community to offer a wide range of special programs,” Haukohl said in the announcement.

The exhibition will run Aug. 28 through July 26, 2026, and will be accompanied by a 288-page catalog and a slate of programs for adults and children.

Phoenix Art Museum is located at 1625 N. Central Ave. Visit the website for more details.

Jennifer Goldberg is the Senior Editor of Culture at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in February 2016. In her role, Jennifer writes and publishes profiles of both local and regional musicians, previews upcoming performances and provides guides on the best of Phoenix’s entertainment scene. She also oversees the Best of Phoenix. Jennifer previously worked for Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. During her career, Jennifer has received awards from the Arizona Press Club, the Arizona Newspaper Association and the American Jewish Press Association. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in English from Arizona State University.

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