The Path to Paradise

Reimagining Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise

An Exhibition by Pneuma Art Foundation in collaboration with Galleria Frilli

Exhibition Dates: October - November 2025

Location: Florence, Italy (more details on exact location to be announced)

You must be an artist member of Pneuma Art Foundation to apply for this exhibition. Login to your membership portal or sign up. In your member portal, navigate to “Open Calls” and apply.

For details on The Path to Paradise artist call, click here. Both secular and religious works are welcome.

For questions or further clarification, please send an email to exhibitions@thepneuma.org

Discover a Modern Interpretation of a Renaissance Masterpiece

Pneuma is delighted to present The Path to Paradise, a captivating exhibition created in collaboration with Galleria Frilli. This unique event brings together contemporary artists to reimagine Lorenzo Ghiberti's iconic Baptistry Doors, famously known as the "Gates of Paradise."

About the Exhibition

Lorenzo Ghiberti's Baptistry Doors are a cornerstone of Renaissance art, celebrated for their intricate relief sculptures that depict profound narratives from the Old Testament. These ten panels have inspired generations with their artistry and storytelling. Galleria Frilli provides their exquisite replica of Ghiberti's Baptistry Doors for up close admiration and artistic interpretation. Read more about their process to create the replicas of the Baptistry doors here.

In Porta Paradisi, we bridge the gap between past and present. For each of the 10 Ghiberti replica panels, we will select 2 artists to recreate their own interpretation of the story or theme. This will result in 20 talented Pneuma artist members exhibiting original works that reflect contemporary themes and perspectives. Through a variety of mediums—including painting, sculpture, and installations—these artists offer fresh interpretations of timeless stories.

All art will be available for sale at the exhibition, including the panel replicas.

Exhibition Highlights

• Galleria Frilli's Replica of the Gates of Paradise

  As a centerpiece of the exhibition, Galleria Frilli provides their exquisite replica of Ghiberti's Baptistry Doors. In the 1990s, Frilli created two replicas of Ghiberti's Baptistry Doors: one now installed on the Baptistry in Florence, and the other featured in this exhibit. This allows visitors an up-close experience of the doors' grandeur and intricate details. Each of the 10 panels will be removed from the doors for up close viewing and appreciation.

• Contemporary Art Inspired by Historic Panels

  Each of the ten panels from Ghiberti's masterpiece is reimagined by selected artists. Artists may choose to depict the original story directly or take a more conceptual approach, drawing inspiration from the broader theme, aesthetic, composition, or poses of the panel. This approach creates a diverse collection of artworks that explore universal themes such as creation, faith, sacrifice, struggles, and redemption, all through a contemporary perspective.

• Diverse Artistic Expressions

  The exhibition features a wide array of styles and mediums, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the participating artists. From immersive installations to thought-provoking sculptures, there's something to captivate every visitor.

Special Events

More details on events announced soon.