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Florence Nightingale Memorial Statue in Florence, Italy

Display No. 89

Nightingale was born on 12th May 1820 in Florence, Italy. After her death the city of Florence erected a statue in her honour at The Basilica of Santa Croce. The statue was created by Francis William Sargent in 1913.

The memorial was commissioned by the British community in Florence following Nightingale’s death. It shows Nightingale wearing a shroud and holding a lamp in her right hand.

Photograph. Florence Nightingale Museum Collection 

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Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!

Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!