Uffizi Gallery
Toscana
The Uffizi Gallery, located adjacent to Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Tuscany, is one of the oldest and most famous art museums globally. Established in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici, it originally served as administrative offices before evolving into a public museum in 1769. The gallery houses an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks, especially masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio. Its architecture, featuring a long, narrow courtyard open to the Arno River, is considered Europe's first regularized streetscape. The Uffizi's Tribuna, an octagonal room designed by Bernardo Buontalenti, was created to showcase the Medici family's finest treasures and became a highlight of the Grand Tour. Over centuries, the collection expanded through acquisitions, donations, and the absorption of artworks from suppressed religious institutions. Recent renovations have modernized the museum, doubling exhibition space and improving visitor facilities. The Uffizi remains Italy's most visited art gallery, attracting millions annually, and offers online viewing options through Google Arts and Culture.
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Tip: To avoid long waiting times, especially during peak summer months, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable experience. The museum offers reduced-price tickets and passes valid for multiple days and venues, including Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. Accessibility services are available, including elevators and baby care areas. Check the official website for current opening hours and temporary exhibit closures due to renovations.
Interesting facts
- •The Uffizi Gallery is considered one of the first modern museums, opening to visitors by request since the 16th century.
- •Its courtyard is regarded as Europe's first regularized streetscape, emphasizing Renaissance architectural perspective.
- •The Tribuna degli Uffizi was a famous attraction on the Grand Tour, showcasing jewels and masterpieces in one octagonal room.
- •In 2016, the Uffizi was Italy's most visited art gallery, with over two million visitors.
- •The museum's collection includes the world's largest and most important holdings of Renaissance art, especially Florentine works.
- •During the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum was closed for 150 days in 2020, causing a 72% drop in attendance, yet it remained among the top 30 most visited art museums globally.
- •Recent renovations added 14 new rooms and increased the display of artworks from underrepresented groups, including women and people of color.
History
Commissioned in 1560 by Cosimo I de' Medici, the Uffizi was designed by Giorgio Vasari to centralize Florence's administrative offices.
Completed in 1581, its upper floor was used to display the Medici family's art collections.
The Tribuna degli Uffizi, finished in 1584 by architect Bernardo Buontalenti, became a key showcase for Renaissance masterpieces.
Officially opened to the public in 1769, the gallery transitioned into a modern museum by 1865.
Over time, the collection grew through acquisitions and the inclusion of artworks from religious suppressions.
Major expansion and modernization projects took place in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, significantly increasing exhibition space and updating visitor amenities.
Place Guide
Tribuna degli Uffizi1584
An octagonal room designed by Bernardo Buontalenti in 1584 to display the Medici family's most prized artworks and jewels, serving as a highlight of the Grand Tour.
Cortile (Internal Courtyard)1560-1581
A long, narrow courtyard open to the Arno River, showcasing Renaissance architectural principles of perspective and streetscape, designed by Giorgio Vasari.
Main Galleries
Housing approximately 45 to 50 rooms displaying paintings and sculptures from the 13th to 18th centuries, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
Contact
Phone: 055 294883
