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.
Midcentury pair of benches by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, Italy, 1965
By Giovanni Michelucci, Poltronova
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of walnut benches by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, Italy, 1964 Designed by renowned Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci and produced by Poltronova in 1964, this rare pai...
Wood, Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova Five 'Torbecchia' Dining Chairs in Walnut
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, set of five 'Torbecchia' dining chairs, walnut, rush, Italy, circa 1964. This dining set was designed by the Italian architect and designer Giova...
Fabric, Walnut
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Dining Chair for Poltronova, 1964
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
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
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
Set of 4 Torbecchia Dining Chairs by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1964
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Dronten, NL
A set of four Torbecchia dining chairs, designed in 1964 by the Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova. Michelucci is best known for his monumental, brutalist-leaning b...
Cane, Walnut
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
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
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
Set of six dining chairs Giovanni Michelucci 'Torbecchia' dining chairs
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in BE
Beautiful dining chairs by renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelucci. He designed these chairs in the 1960s for the famous manufacturer Poltronova. The seatings have the original...
Rattan, Wood
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
$3,750
H 75.6 in W 22.45 in D 20.48 in
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” Chair for Poltronova, 1972, Italy, Pine, Stamped
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Almelo, NL
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” Chair in Pine for Poltronova, 1972, Italy Designed by Mario Ceroli in 1972 and produced by Poltronova, the “Fratina” chair is one of the most striking example...
Pine
$12,029 / set
H 28.75 in Dm 59.06 in
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
$4,274 / set
H 26.38 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
Set of 4 pink Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in amstelveen, NL
A set of 4 lacquered metal Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1964. The round seat is perforated sheet metal. The structure, which forms the backrest, armrests, and le...
Steel
$9,800 / set
H 30.32 in W 23.43 in D 23.63 in
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Four 'Sail' Dining Chairs in Turquoise Velvet
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, set of four 'Sail' dining chairs, plastic, fabric, Italy, 1973 This exceptional design known as Sail by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti reflects the des...
Fabric, Plastic
$3,419
H 9.45 in W 27.17 in D 82.68 in
Elm Wood Bench by Maison Regain, France, 1970s, Removable Cushions
By Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo, Chapo Creation, Maison Regain
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Exquisite Benche or Low Table by Regain, France, from the 1970s. Crafted from beautiful elm wood. The original varnish beautifully preserves the wood, while the cushions and upholst...
Elm
Bamboo Bench – 1970s
Located in Roma, RM
Bamboo Bench – 1970s Product details Bamboo structure with rush bindings. Dimensions: 120 W x 90 H x 65 D cm Seat height: 40 cm
Bamboo, Straw
Mid-Century Modern Solid Pine Bench, France, 1970s
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Large solid pine bench featuring a long rectangular seat with straightforward proportions, resting on straight assembled legs. The design is simple and utilitarian, highlighting the ...
Pine
Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown with 24" x 16" upholstered ...
Steel
1950 Italian Design Midcentury Wood Bench
Located in Brescia, IT
Wood and red fabric Excellent condition.
Wood
1970s bench, Drabert
By Drabert, Gerd Lange
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic waiting bench from the 1970s. High-quality steel and stainless steel frame with two plastic seat shells in brown a table top with original HPL coating and plastic edge in bro...
Steel
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” Sculptural Chair for Poltronova, 1972
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Ceroli “Fratina” sculptural chair for Poltronova, wood, Italy, 1972 An iconic blend of radical design and archaic inspiration, the “Fratina” chair by Mario Ceroli was designed...
Wood
Pair of Italian Benches, 1940s
Located in Palermo, PA
Pair of Italian benches, 1940s. Dimensions: H=70 cm; W=105 cm; D=60 cm; Height seat= 35 cm.
Velvet, Wood
$6,000 / set
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
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
Argentine Designer, Bench, Wood, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood bench or side table designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches...
Wood
$3,600 / set
H 29.53 in W 24.41 in D 21.26 in
Umberto Brandigi "Jollina" Chairs for Poltronova, Green Velvet, 1960s, Set of 2
By Umberto Brandigi, Poltronova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Umberto Brandigi "Jollina" Dining Chair for Poltronova, wood and green velvet, Italy, 1960s, set of two. The Umberto Brandigi dining chair, produced by the iconic Poltronova brand i...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 15.36 in W 72.25 in D 15.75 in
'Torbecchia' bench by Giovanni Michelucci Production Poltronova 1960s
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Milano, IT
Bench designed by Michelucci in 1964 in walnut veneer wood.
Walnut
Torbecchia Solid Walnut Bench by Giovanni Michelucci
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Oirlo, LI
Bench from the Torbecchia series, designed by brutalist architect Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1964. Solid walnut structure with beautiful edge detail similar to Charlotte Per...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” Dining Chairs for Poltronova, 1964, Set of 4
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Giovanni Michelucci “Torbecchia” dining chairs for Poltronova, Italy, 1964, set of four. Crafted from dark-stained beechwood with woven straw seats, the "Torbecchia" dining chairs f...
Straw, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 19.3 in D 17.72 in
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' Italian dining chairs
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in BE
Giovanni Michelucci 'Torbecchia' dining chairs Beautiful dining chairs by renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelucci. He designed these chairs in the 1960s for the famous manufac...
Walnut
Sold
H 15.75 in W 72.05 in D 15.75 in
'Torbecchia' bench by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova Anni 70s
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Milano, IT
Bench, walnut veneer wood. Good conditions.
Nutwood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 20.48 in D 16.93 in
G. Michelucci for Poltronova Italian Midcentury Wood Leather Dining Chairs 1960s
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four dining chairs from the Torbecchia S.20 series designed by Giovanni Michelucci and produced by Poltronova with walnut frame and leather upholst...
Leather, Nutwood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 72.45 in D 15.75 in
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
Sold
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Torbecchia Chairs in walnut and rush, Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova, 1960s
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in amstelveen, NL
Set of 8 dining chairs from the Torbecchia series, designed by Giovanni Michelucci for Poltronova in 1964. Solid walnut structure with seats upholstered in rush. The solid wood chai...
Straw, Walnut
Bench Torbecchia Walnut Italy 1970s
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Milano, IT
Bench; stained walnut veneered wood.
Walnut
Sold
H 29.14 in W 20.67 in D 19.49 in
Group of Six Chairs Giovanni Michelucci Beech Raffia 1960s-1970s
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Milano, IT
Group of six chairs designed by Michelucci in 1964; stained beech wood, seats in woven raffia.
Raffia, Beech
Chairs, Beech and Straw, 1970s G. Michelucci, Poltronova
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Milano, IT
Group of 4 chairs; walnut stained beechwood, straw seat.
Straw, Beech
Bench, Walnut Veneer, 1970s G. Michelucci, Poltronova
By Poltronova, Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Milano, IT
Bench; walnut veneered wood. Good conditions, shows small signs of wear.
Walnut
Sold
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid -Century Art Deco Stool or Nightstand by Giovanni Michelucci in Walnut
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A Mid-Century 1940s Art Deco stool or nightstand by Giovanni Michelucci in walnut Restored and finished to shellac Measure: cm H 50 x W 40 x D 40 Giovanni Michelucci The patriarch ...
Walnut
Studio-Built Armchair by Giovanni Michelucci
By Giovanni Michelucci
Located in New York, NY
Early designed chair of Italian walnut. Architectural construction, inlaid triangle of ebony on seat back. Branded signiture on rear. Originally designed in 1919, this particular mo...