When discussing Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci, it is difficult to decide which is the more impressive achievement: his more than half-century track record of notable projects, which includes designing and restoring some of Tuscany’s most famous landmarks, or his nearly century-long life. While he is often remembered for passing away just two days before his centennial birthday, in the same breath he is memorialized for his exceptional contributions to Tuscan architecture, including Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Train Station, Palazzo delle Poste and restored rooms inside the legendary Uffizi Gallery.
Michelucci’s practice began in childhood, at his family’s artistic metal workshop. There, he rubbed elbows with many passing artists and architects before pursuing design academically at Florence’s Istituto Superiore di Architettura. Michelucci graduated in 1911 and embarked on a long teaching career. By the early 1920s, he was instructing at the Istituto d’Arte of Rome and later at the Istituto Superiore di Architettura, from 1928 until 1936. He served as dean of the school’s architectural faculty twice during the 1940s and founded the magazine La Nuova Città between the two appointments. He left Florence in 1948 to become a professor at the School of Engineering in Bologna, where he remained until his retirement.
Other significant architectural projects dot Michelucci ‘s career, like the Santa Maria Novella church and church of St. John the Baptist. Often working in collaboration with the Grouppo Tuscano, a collective of young architects, Michelucci beat out more than 100 other bidders on multiple contracts to bring his modernist, rationalist approach to Italy’s architectural landscape.
In his hometown of Pistoia, as well as Fiesole, Michelucci formed the Fondazione Giovanni Michelucci, which undertook social projects targeted at prisons, hospitals and asylums within the cities. He dedicated the rest of his life toward using architecture to address social challenges — a cause the foundation continues to support today.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Giovanni Michelucci lighting, case pieces and tables.
1940s Giovanni Michelucci Patinated Brass Adjustable Banker Lamp for Lariolux
By Giovanni Michelucci, Lariolux
Located in Glendale, CA
1940s Giovanni Michelucci Patinated Brass Adjustable Banker Lamp for Lariolux Produced circa 1940 and executed in richly patinated brass with and adjustable height stem. A ball join...
Brass
Walnut coffee table with compartment by Giovanni Michelucci, 1970s
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Walnut coffee table with compartment by Giovanni Michelucci, 1970s, Made in Italy. Walnut coffee table with compartment by Giovanni Michelucci, 1970s. It was designed in wood and ven...
Wood, Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci Chrome Ministerial Table Lamp for Lariolux, Italy, 1940s
By Giovanni Michelucci, Lariolux
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and extremely rare chrome ministerial table lamp designed by Giovanni Michelucci and produced by Lariolux in Italy during the 1940s. A striking example of early Italian industrial design, combining essential lines, refined proportions, and a strong architectural presence. The lamp features a beautifully curved chrome arm supporting a wide, dome-shaped shade that provides a soft, focused light ideal for a desk or reading corner. The heavy chromed base ensures perfect stability and is equipped with its early vintage bakelite switch...
Steel, Chrome
$1,873Sale Price|20% Off
Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova Italian Wood Midcentury Bench Consolle 1960s
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design walnut bench or console table serie Torbecchia designed by Giovanni Michelucci and produced by Poltronova, Italy 1964. Fire-branded G. Michelucci tra...
Walnut
1940s Giovanni Michelucci Chrome Ministerial Table Lamp for Lariolux
By Giovanni Michelucci, Kaiser Idell, Lariolux
Located in Glendale, CA
1940s Giovanni Michelucci chrome ministerial table lamp for Lariolux. Produced circa 1940 and executed in polished chrome with swiveling arm and rotating adjustable shade. Reminiscen...
Metal, Chrome
Giovanni Michelucci's set of six "Torbecchia" Dining Chairs, designed for Poltro
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Almelo, NL
Giovanni Michelucci's set of six "Torbecchia" Dining Chairs, designed for Poltronova in Italy 1964. Giovanni Michelucci's set of six "Torbecchia" Dining Chairs, designed for Poltron...
Rush, Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci Torbecchia Sideboard in Walnut Wood by Poltronova 1964
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Torbecchia sideboard is entirely realized in solid veneered walnut wood, with two frontal hinging doors, two drawers, and a storage unit under the openable top part. The signature o...
Wood, Walnut
Torbecchia Sideboard in Walnut by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1964
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Oirlo, LI
Step into the world of mid-century Italian design with this exquisite Torbecchia sideboard, masterfully crafted by renowned architect and designer Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova ...
Walnut
Mid 20thC Bronze Adjustable Table Lamp Attributed To Giovanni Michelucci c.1945
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Mid 20th Century versatile bronze lamp with adjustable height and angle, featuring a sleek design attributed to Giovanni Michelucci. Giovanni Michelucci (1891–1990) was a distinguish...
Bronze
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Dining Chair for Poltronova, 1964
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Dining Chairs for Poltronova, Italy, 1964. Crafted from dark-stained beechwood with woven straw seats, the "Torbecchia" dining chairs for Poltronova...
Straw, Wood
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Dining Chairs for Poltronova, 1964, Set of 6
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” dining chairs for Poltronova, Italy, 1964, set of six. Crafted from dark-stained beechwood with woven straw seats, the "Torbecchia" dining chairs fo...
Straw, Wood
$2,942Sale Price|50% Off
Walnut coffee table with compartment by Michelucci, 1970
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Manzano, IT
Walnut coffee table with compartment by Michelucci, 1970 Designed in walnut veneer in 1974 Style Vintage Periodo del design 1970 - 1979 Production Period 1970 - 1979 Year Manufacture...
Nutwood
"Torbecchia" wooden sideboard by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, Italy, 1970
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Argelato, BO
This sideboard is an iconic piece of Italian design from the 1960s, designed by architect Giovanni Michelucci in 1964 for Poltronova. It is part of the "Torbecchia" series, a project...
Wood
Giovanni Michelucci Walnut Dining Room Table for Poltronova, Italy, 1964
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Almelo, NL
Giovanni Michelucci Walnut Dining Room Table for Poltronova, Italy, 1964 This beautiful Torbecchia Walnut dining room table was designed in 1964 by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltron...
Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Solid Walnut Bench, 1960s
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Dronten, NL
A sculptural and profoundly architectural piece, this “Torbecchia” bench by Giovanni Michelucci exemplifies the masterful balance between craftsmanship and modernist form that define...
Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci Coffee Table for Galleria Vigna Nuova, 1962
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Giovanni Michelucci coffee table for the Galleria Vigna Nuova in Florence, brass and copper, Italy, 1962. This coffee table is a unique piece designed by Giovanni Michelucci in 196...
Brass
Giovanni Michelucci Walnut Dining Room Table for Poltronova, Italy, 1964
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Almelo, NL
Giovanni Michelucci Walnut Dining Room Table for Poltronova, Italy, 1964 This beautiful Torbecchia Walnut dining room table was designed in 1964 by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltron...
Walnut
1940s Giovanni Michelucci Chrome Ministerial Table Lamp for Lariolux
By Lariolux, Giovanni Michelucci, Kaiser Idell
Located in Glendale, CA
1940s Giovanni Michelucci chrome ministerial table lamp for Lariolux. Produced circa 1940 and executed in polished chrome with swiveling arm and rotating adjustable shade. Reminiscen...
Metal, Chrome
1940s Giovanni Michelucci Chrome Ministerial Table Lamp for Lariolux
By Lariolux, Giovanni Michelucci, Kaiser Idell
Located in Glendale, CA
1940s Giovanni Michelucci chrome ministerial table lamp for Lariolux. Produced circa 1940 and executed in polished chrome with swiveling arm and rotating adjustable shade with white ...
Metal, Chrome
Giovanni Michelucci 'Torbecchia' Dining Table and Bench for Poltronova, 1965
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Hellouw, NL
An architectural dining set with poetic tension, this 'Torbecchia' ensemble designed by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova in 1965 reveals a lesser-seen refinement within the brutali...
Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci Dining Room Set with Table Bench and Chairs by Poltronova
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Torbecchia dining room set is composed of four chairs, one table, and one bench. The table and the bench were made in walnut wood, the chairs have a structure in walnut wood and wove...
Straw, Walnut
Chest of Drawers model "Serena" by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1955
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Roma, IT
Chest of drawers model "Serena" realized by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova in 1955. Realized in walnut wood and in excellent condition. Signature engraved.
Metal
Set of Four Torbecchia Dining Chairs by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Dronten, NL
Set of 4 dining chairs from the Torbecchia series, designed by brutalist architect Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1964. Solid walnut structure with seats upholstered in cane. ...
Cane, Walnut
Serena Cabinet by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova 1950s Italy
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in London, London
Serena cabinet with drawers by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova Walnut A sculptural and subtly architectural cabinet designed by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova in the 1950s. ...
Walnut
$1,129Sale Price|20% Off
Amazing Giovanni Michelucci Mid-Century Modern Chrome Table Lamp
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Catania, IT
Elegant chrome ministerial lamp, designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci and made of chromed metal in 1940 by "Lariolux". Good conditio...
Metal, Chrome
Italian Modern Wood Bench Torbecchia by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova 1970s
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wood Bench Torbecchia by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1970s Bench mod. Torbecchia entirely in solid wood. The rectangular seat...
Wood
Patinated Brass Ministerial Table Lamp by Giovanni Michelucci for Lariolux Italy
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Patinated Brass Ministerial Table/Task Lamp by Giovanni Michelucci for Lariolux (ca. 1940s, Italy). Composed of a wide, adjustable shade supported by pivoting stem and round base. Or...
Brass
Giovanni Michelucci 'Torbecchia' Benches in Walnut
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Michelucci 'Torbecchia' benches, walnut, Italy, 1960s The Torbecchia bench by Giovanni Michelucci is a refined expression of architectural clarity translated into solid wal...
Walnut
Torbecchia sideboard by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Ravenna, IT
Furniture designed by Michelucci and manufactured by Poltronova. The cabinet consists of two lower hinged doors, which can be opened by a handle, and two upper hinged doors, which ca...
Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci Serena Chest of Drawers for Poltronova, 1955
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Gorgeous and rare "Serena "chest of drawers mod. Serena in walnut wood, designed by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1955, Italy. Signed piece.
Walnut
Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Brussels, BE
Italian Modern Low Table By Giovanni Michelucci - 1960
Wood
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Dining Chairs for Poltronova, 1964, Set of 2
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Dining Chairs for Poltronova, Italy, 1964, set of two. Crafted from dark-stained beechwood with woven straw seats, the "Torbecchia" dining chairs fo...
Straw, Wood
Set of Six "Torbecchia" Chairs by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, Italy, 196
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Milan, IT
Set of six "Torbecchia" chairs by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova. Sturdy solid walnut frame and movable leather-padded seating.
Leather, Walnut
$1,176Sale Price|20% Off
Amazing, Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Brass Giovanni Michelucci Table Lamp
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Catania, IT
Elegant chrome ministerial lamp, designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci and made of chromed metal and brass in 1940 by "Lariolux". Goo...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Giovanni Michelucci, Table mod. Ragno and four chairs mod. Scapolare, 1980s
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Rivoli, IT
Very rare set of table and chairs signed Michelucci. Wooden furniture designed by architect Giovanni Michelucci (1891-1990) were born from the purpose of establishing a solid balance...
Velvet, Glass, Wood