Uffizi Gallery
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 January 2024
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The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is the leading art museum in Italy in terms of visitor numbers, attracting 4.3 million visitors in 2019 before the Coronavirus pandemic. It was established in 1581 and designed by Giorgio Vasari at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici.
Translating as "offices", the Gallery contains masterpieces from history's leading artists and requires at least a full day's visit. |
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The Uffizi Gallery, located in the heart of Florence, Italy, is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. The word "Uffizi" translates to "offices" in Italian, as the building was originally constructed to house administrative offices (uffizi) for the Florentine magistrates.
History
The grand project was initiated by the renowned Florentine architect Giorgio Vasari in 1560 during the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici. The purpose of the Uffizi was to centralize the government offices of the Medici family, one of the most influential and powerful families in Renaissance Florence.
Over time, the Medici family collected an extensive collection of art, which was later expanded by succeeding generations of the Medici dynasty. In the 18th century, the House of Lorraine, the last ruling dynasty of Tuscany, further enriched the collection.
Today, the Uffizi Gallery is owned by the Italian state and houses an exceptional collection of Renaissance art, making it a major cultural and artistic attraction.
Over time, the Medici family collected an extensive collection of art, which was later expanded by succeeding generations of the Medici dynasty. In the 18th century, the House of Lorraine, the last ruling dynasty of Tuscany, further enriched the collection.
Today, the Uffizi Gallery is owned by the Italian state and houses an exceptional collection of Renaissance art, making it a major cultural and artistic attraction.
Key features
- Visiting Hours: The Uffizi Gallery is generally open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, with specific opening hours varying throughout the year. The museum is often closed on Mondays.
- Entry Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the Uffizi Gallery. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for visitors who wish to gain deeper insights into the artworks and the historical context of the Uffizi's collections.
- Accessibility: The Uffizi Gallery is equipped with facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators.
The art collection
- Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera": Two of Sandro Botticelli's iconic works, depicting mythological themes with breathtaking beauty.
- Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation": A significant early work by the brilliant Renaissance polymath.
- Michelangelo's "Tondo Doni": A circular panel painting showcasing the Holy Family in a distinct style.
- Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch": A tender portrayal of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.
- Titian's "Venus of Urbino": A sensual depiction of the goddess Venus, showcasing the artist's mastery of color and form.
- Caravaggio's "Medusa": A powerful and dramatic portrayal of the mythological figure.
- The Terrace: In addition to the art treasures inside, the Uffizi Gallery's terrace offers a splendid panoramic view of Florence, including the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River.
Galleria degli Uffizi
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City: Florence
Province: Metropolitan City of Florence Region: Tuscany Established: 1581 Architectural style: Renaissance Fly to: Florence Airport - 29 minutes by car (10 km) Close by: Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Vasari Corridor Recommended accommodation: Hotel Spadai |
Top Attraction
Annual visitor numbers: 4,391,861
Ranked number 2 in Italy in 2019
Source: Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Annual visitor numbers: 4,391,861
Ranked number 2 in Italy in 2019
Source: Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism
