Prato and contemporary art: an inseparable combination. There are many works located outside the museums, in the urban fabric of the city, here we offer you a first itinerary that will allow you to admire the 10 most well-known and appreciated ones.

We start from the most iconic work of contemporary Prato, an identity symbol of the city, Square shape with cut, the work by Henry Moore, one of the first works of abstract sculpture of the twentieth century to have been placed in public spaces, which represents a symbolic lock through which one can ideally look at Prato's past, present and future.

The work is located in San Marco square, from here with a short walk you can reach the complex of the Cimatoria Campolmi, a former textile production centre now home to the Textile Museum and the Lazzerini Library where you can admire numerous works of contemporary art, such as The Beast by Bizhan Bassiri, Culture and the Spine of Life by Hossein Golba and the magnificent Waterbones: Climbing in Transition State by Loris Cecchini.

Another short walk in the direction of Piazza Duomo and you can reach, passing in front of the suggestive Emperor's Castle and the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri, Piazza Santa Maria in Castello, where you can admire the installation The Great Dreamer by Fabrizio Corneli. This artistic creation is a play of light and shadow that appears and disappears depending on the time, giving a unique visual experience at night.

A few steps away, in Piazza del Comune you can admire the sculpture Prometheus Strangling the Vulture II by Jacques Lipchitz. This work is part of an important group of works by the Lithuanian sculptor on display at the Palazzo Pretorio Museum.

From Piazza del Comune, go towards Piazza del Duomo and reach Piazza Ciardi to admire  The missing link to the chain that isn't there, better known as La Mongolfiera (hot hair balloon) by Marco Bagnoli. An evocative fountain that has given new life to the square since 2018, with water features and lights that create a magical atmosphere.

Continuing towards the University square, you will come across Count Up by Alessandra Andrini, a clock that marks the time since the entry into force of the Italian Constitution and is a symbol of Prato's strong civil commitment.

Near the square you will also find The Wanderer and his Shadow by Ignazio Fresu, a work inspired by Nietzsche's philosophy. This sculpture invites the modern traveler to reflect on his own route and existence.

Outside the fourteenth-century walls, but easily reachable with a short walk, you will find the Mazzocchio by Ben Jacober and Jannick Vu, a perfect union between ancient and contemporary and finally the work symbolizing rebirth and hope in the future, inaugurated in 2022: Spindles, a impressive artistic installation by Loris Cecchini (inspired by the shape of the spindles – which are a component of the looms) which represents the energy and vitality that characterize Prato.

These are just some of the hidden treasures that the Prato area has to offer. We invite you to discover all the contemporary works of art along the streets and squares of the city.