Welcome to Accademia Riaci

Florence’s rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship and its flourishing arts have long revered the Renaissance as the true pinnacle of artistic brilliance. The city’s workshops and studios of skilled craftsmen drove its production, establishing Florence as Italy’s artistic capital during that era. The synergy between craftsmen and merchants brought the city both glory and immense fortune.

These craftsmen, often goldsmiths, created magnificent artistic objects for the city’s baptisteries within their studios. Maestro Benvenuto Cellini, an exemplary figure of the period, passed on his superior marble sculpting techniques to his apprentices. The works commissioned under Maestro Cellini have endured for centuries as masterpieces, embodying the lasting legacy of Florence’s rich traditions in craftsmanship, including goldsmithing and jewelry making, sculpture, and painting.

In 1983, Maestro Raymond Riaci founded Accademia Riaci with a compelling vision: not only to teach artistic techniques, but to instill in young artists the living spirit and atmosphere of the Renaissance. Accademia Riaci has since become a treasure trove of traditional art and irreplaceable techniques, with a curriculum enriched by methods unique to the school, aimed at nurturing imagination and creativity in every student.

What began as a modest art studio has grown into a vibrant institution, home to a passionate team of teachers representing the finest Italian artists in Florence. The academy remains true to its founder and Honorary President’s vision of tradition and spirit. With a diverse student body from over 50 countries, Accademia Riaci inspires individuals in Design, Crafts, Fine Arts, Italian Language, and Italian Culinary Arts, carrying forward a legacy of artistic pursuit and global inspiration.

Mission – “Live the past, create the future”
The core objective of Accademia Riaci’s educational philosophy extends beyond merely imparting traditional techniques and styles. Our ultimate goal is to guide students in cultivating their artistic sensitivity, nurturing creativity, and unlocking their full potential.

Embracing a spectrum from traditional to ultra-modern techniques
At Accademia Riaci, students have the freedom to choose from a diverse array of traditional and contemporary arts disciplines. In contrast to prevailing trends in mass production, our philosophy prioritizes quality over quantity. This is reflected in our approach, where students delve into the intricacies of traditional and classical arts alongside the latest in design and techniques. Through extensive hands-on training in their chosen majors, students acquire a comprehensive skill set. Our emphasis extends beyond technical proficiency to the cultivation of imagination and fantasy – the most cherished elements of an artist’s repertoire. Professors not only impart knowledge but also play a crucial role in guiding students to rediscover the unique essence within each budding artist, nurturing their originality and inspiring their creative journey.

Small Class Sizes
Research consistently demonstrates that students in small groups tend to experience enhanced learning outcomes and express higher satisfaction with their classes. Lower class sizes have been correlated with positive educational advantages, including improved test scores, reduced dropout rates, and increased graduation rates. Recognizing the significance of these benefits, Accademia Riaci intentionally organizes classes into small groups, ensuring a more focused, interactive, and enriching educational environment for our students.

Tailored Instruction
Much like the pedagogical approach of Leonardo Da Vinci with his assistants, our lessons at Accademia Riaci are tailored to establish a close rapport with each student, aligning with their unique abilities and personalities. This personalized approach challenges both beginners and seasoned professionals, fostering an environment where each individual can thrive and expand their artistic horizons.