No tour of Florence is complete without a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. One of the oldest museums in the world, the Uffizi is home to some of the most exquisite artwork in history. Names like Leonardo da Vinci and Duccio are synonymous with the Uffizi Gallery, and many familiar works of art, such as Doni Tondo by Michelangelo and the Primavera by Botticelli, hang in it’s great rooms.
The Uffizi Gallery was built between 1560 and 1581, but was officially open to the public only in 1765. It was first designed to be the offices of the magistrates of Florence: “uffizi”, in Italian, means offices. Giorgio Vasari was the architect who designed the gallery, but He was unable to finish the work he started, so the building was completed by Bernardo Buontalenti and Alfonso Parigi. The gallery is built in a characteristic “U” shape, which opens up for a wonderful view of the Arno River.
The Uffizi Gallery was planned by the Grand Duke of Tuscany to host the vast collection of artwork the Medici family held in their personal possession, and many of the works of art were commissioned by that family. Under order from the last of the Medici heiresses, Anna Maria Lodovica, the collection was to remain in Florence, never to leave. This was the beginning of one of the world’s most famous museums.
The collection belonging to the Uffizi Gallery is extensive: the artwork changes many times during the year because of restorations or cleanings. Also, some pieces are loaned to other museums and galleries in the area. No matter what is on display, there is always so much to see the visit is worth every minute you spend in the gallery.
The paintings and art work date clear back to the 1300’s so there are certain conditions the Uffizi Gallery makes to keep the masterpieces safe. One is to limit the number of visitors at any one time into the museum. This helps to keep the temperature down and bring less stress to the paintings. The artwork, in fact, can sweat when too hot and this can cause damage to these ancient masterpieces.
The Uffizi Gallery has suffered damage of it’s own accord. There was a flood in 1966, which caused great damage, and to this day there are pieces which are still being restored. Then in 1993 a bombing cause much damage to the west wing; the east wing suffered less extensive damage. During the blast two paintings by Bartolomeo Manfredi and one work by Gerrit van Honthorst were completely destroyed. There were 32 other paintings damaged. Now each painting is protected by bullet proof shields which also protect against vandals.
When visiting the Gallery and Museum, booking one of the many Uffizi tours is highly recommended. There are many tour operator and tourist guide that organize guided tours of the Gallery. By doing so, you can avoid the long lines of visitors waiting to get in and admire the great collection of masterpieces by the guide of a expert in the history of Florence art.