Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is the most historic and renowned art museum in Florence, Italy. Its construction began in 1560 as the office building (Uffizi is phonetically similar to the Italian word for "offices") designed by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. The entire grand palatial structure was not completed until 1581.

Starting with Cosimo I, the Medici family was passionate about art and consistently sponsored many masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Most of the artworks they collected across generations were housed here. Anna Maria de' Medici, the last direct descendant of the family, left a will upon her death stipulating that all Medici collections be donated to the Tuscan government and preserved as the heritage of Florence. Consequently, the Uffizi naturally became a museum and officially opened to the public in 1765.

Due to the vast number of artworks, some collections had to be transferred to other museums in Florence. Since 2006, the Uffizi has undergone an expansion project, increasing its exhibition space from 6,000 square meters to approximately 13,000 square meters. This allowed many works previously stored in reserves to be displayed to the public. Today, the Uffizi has become one of Florence’s most popular tourist attractions. During peak seasons, especially in July, the waiting time to enter can be very long.

Uffizi Gallery

Must-visit reason: Florence’s most famous art museum

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Italy [Italy]

Province/State: Tuscany Region [Toscana Region]

City: Florence [Florence]