Massimo Manetti, president of the Florence Chamber of Commerce (middle), and Mario Razzannelli, former Florence city councilor (left), pose for a photo. [Photo/Yongpai App]

The One‑Meter Space, a cultural showcase, recently opened at the Florence Chamber of Commerce, creating a new platform for cultural exchange between Ningbo and Florence.

The initiative brings Ningbo's traditional craftsmanship directly to an Italian audience, injecting fresh energy into to the two cities' long‑standing ties.

During the opening ceremony, Massimo Manetti, president of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, expressed strong interest in Ningbo's pankou buttons and Yue kiln celadon accessories.

He noted that while the Sino-Italy Ningbo Ecological Park has already strengthened business cooperation between the cities, the arrival of One‑Meter Space takes cultural dialogue a step further. The exhibits, he said, vividly convey the unique charm of Ningbo's heritage.

Stefano Casciu, director of the San Marco Museum, praised the craftsmanship as "stunning", highlighting the shared artistic spirit between Ningbo's traditional techniques and Florence's classical art.

As an art historian, he emphasized that both cities are cultural centers shaped by centuries of history, and exchanges between the two — from the replica of Michelangelo's David in Ningbo to this new cultural space in Florence — continue to grow.

Intrigued by Ningbo's blend of ancient heritage and modern vitality, Casciu expressed hopes of visiting the city and promoting deeper cooperation in traditional crafts, exhibitions, and cultural preservation.

Stefano Casciu, director of the San Marco Museum (middle), and Mario Razzannelli (left) pose for a photo. [Photo/Yongpai App]