The Uffizi Gallery is a real jewel of Florence. This is the most visited museum in Italy , which attracts tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.
A bit of history
The construction of the Uffizi palace in Florence was initiated by the Duke Cosimo de 'Medici in the middle of the 16th century with the aim of placing archives and offices of officials in it, since there were simply not enough places in the existing administrative buildings. Initially, it was implied that several rooms in the building would be reserved for the storage of art objects, since the duke himself and many members of his family were passionate collectors and were well versed in rarities. The executor was chosen by the famous architect and architect Giorgio Vasari.
The building was designed in the form of a horseshoe with a unique air corridor across the Arno River. His decor is extremely restrained and strict, directly evidencing the original purpose of the palace ("Uffizi" from Italian translates as "office"). Construction was completed in 1581, at the same time, according to the decision of another representative of the Medici family - Francesco I, archives and officials were removed from the building, and the halls and classrooms were converted for exhibitions. They were transported the most valuable exhibits of a private collection of the genus, mostly statues. Thus began the history of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence as a museum.
For a long time, unique expositions were only available to representatives of the nobility, and only in 1765 the museum opened its doors to ordinary people, and the last representative of the Medici gave the gallery ownership of the Florentine people. It should be noted that while the museum was in their private possession, the collection was constantly replenished and expanded.
To date, the gallery is one of the most visited in the world and not in vain, as it has 45 rooms, in which unique exhibits are collected: copies and originals of sculptures, interior and household items and, of course, graphic works and paintings. Most of the exhibitions are dedicated to the Renaissance, and some are specifically dedicated to the works of the greatest masters of the time: Caravaggio, da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto, Titian.
Pictures of the Uffizi Gallery
Among the numerous masterpieces of recognized masters of the Renaissance and other significant periods in art, it is difficult to single out something most important. But there are canvases that have long been recognized as a "business card" of the museum. Among them are "Spring" and "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli, "The Triptych of Portinari" by Van der Hus, "Bagovetsky" by Da Vinci, "Venus of Urbino" by Titian.
Also in the gallery is a unique collection of portraits of famous figures of science and art, which has no analogues in the world. It was laid in the XVII century and, among other things, it contains the richest collection of self-portraits of great artists.
How to get to the Uffizi Gallery?
To the question "Where is the Uffizi Gallery?" Every resident of Tuscany can answer, and visitors of the city will be able to recognize the museum's building not only by recognizable facade and structure, but also by the huge lines that are built in its doors from those wishing to visit unique exhibitions. Tickets to the Uffizi can be purchased on the spot, waiting for your turn at the checkout, or you can book in advance - online or by phone, if you are good at Italian or English. The cost of the reservation is 4 euros, the price of the ticket is 6,5 euros. There is also the possibility of discounts and free tickets for children under 18 years old, people over 65, students of specialized faculties and universities (art, art, architecture).
Opening hours of the Uffizi Gallery
The museum is open for visits every day at 8-15 to 18-50. Closed: Monday, May 1, December 25 and January 1.
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