Root

From the Corsini Gardens in 2003 to the Leopolda. Trace the origins and development of Pitti Fragranze, the organizers’ selection process, perfumers’ retrospectives, RAW, and the collaboration with SETCHU. Also review the completed 2026 edition, the plans for 2027, and current visitor eligibility.

Smell Festival began in Bologna in 2010. From founder Francesca Faruolo’s vision to exhibitions translating dreams into scents, works using materials from bees, music, kōdō and workshops exploring the city, we trace the history of a place for learning about and sharing olfactory culture.

Interpreting requests, smelling prototypes and explaining the reasons for improvements to perfumers. Through evaluators’ own words and materials from fragrance companies and educational institutions, we explore perfume development, its differences from quality control and consumer research, and the learning of olfaction and language.

Esxence was born in Milan in 2009. Follow the paths of Silvio Levi and Maurizio Cavezzali, the connection with Nose, exhibitor selection, experiences of scent sampling, exhibitions and learning, a historical timeline, and the plans for 2027.

How can a city’s smells be gathered, described and mapped? Through Kate McLean’s career, smellwalks and works in Amsterdam, Singapore and Kyiv, we trace the creative practice and research that share subjective perceptions.