In1921, Guccio Gucci opened a small leather goods shop in Florence with theintention of bringing to Italy the luxury aesthetic he witnessed while working in the Savoy Hotel in London. Since then, his iconic double G logo has become recognizable around the globe, and on September 28, the Gucci Museo opens in Florence, culminating a year of celebrations marking the venerable House of Gucci's 90th anniversary.

"As Gucci turns 90this year, I felt it was the right moment to inaugurate our own space, wherehidden treasures would be open to public viewing for the first time," saidGucci creative director Frida Giannini, who conceived the idea for a Guccimuseum. "In this way the Gucci Museo will both conserve and celebrate the mostsignificant moments in the history of the House, providing an official accountof its origins, evolution and cultural influence."

Housed inside thehistoric Palazzo della Mercanzia, which is located in Florence's PiazzaSignoria, the three-floor Gucci Museo spans approximately 5,626 square feet. Mannequinscovered in the Gucci monogram will don the garments, while a private basementarea will hold the Gucci archive, catalogued ready-to-wear,accessories, objects, documents, and photographs from the company's history.

Onthe ground floor, an exhibition of the trunks, suitcases, accessories, andarticles inspired by Gucci's work as a porter at the Savoy — which also madethe fashion house famous in the '50s, '60s, and '70s — fill a travel-themed room. Continue to thefirst floor and find "Flora World," an exhibition of items bearing the floral motif originally created for Grace Kelly as a scarf in 1966. Next,venture to "Handbags," a display of craftsmanship of the coveted accessory as it has endured over the years. From there, enter "Evening," which showcases the fashionhouse's stunning gowns, many of which were worn red carpets throughout history. Clutchesand rare valuables will be on view in the last section, "Precious."

Also on the firstfloor is a contemporary art space that will exhibit works by selected artistsin collaboration with the Pinault Foundation, while an adjacent room will runvideo installations and film screenings that Gucci has helpedrestore and produce.

On the secondfloor, "Logomania," an exhibition of items from Gucci Museo's permanent collection, will take visitors through the history of Gucci's double G monogram. The GucciMuseo ends with "Lifestyle" and "Sport" themes, chronicling the house's leisure products.

"Our aim has beento create a destination experience where people can appreciate and enjoy ourhistory, but at the same time understand how innovative and alive Gucci istoday," said Gucci president and CEO Patrizio di Marco.

VIPs like Anna Wintour, Charlotte Casiraghi, and Debbie Harry attended aprivate dinner to inaugurate the museum Monday night during Milan Fashion Weekin Florence's Palazzo Vecchio. But don't worry, the public will also get aspecial treat when the museum officially opens to on Wednesday: alive performance from Harry's legendary New York band Blondie.