English
English
Contents
Uffizi Gallery history | From Medici's office to art museum
Detailed history of the Uffizi Gallery
The origins
16th Century
Cosimo I de Medici commissioned Giorgio Vasari to build the Uffizi as Florence's administrative center. The ground floor housed Magistrates' offices, while the first floor accommodated administrative offices and Grand Duchy workshops. Connecting passages to Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace were added. After Vasari's death, Alfonso Parigi and Bernardo Buontalenti completed the building. In 1574, Francesco I de' Medici organized the first museum exhibit on the second floor, now home to iconic Renaissance works.
Office to museum
17th Century
In the 17th century, Uffizi transformed into its present museum form. Between 1658 and 1679, western corridor was decked up with frescoes. Grand Duke Cosimo III, from 1696 to 1699, decorated the corridor overlooking the River Arno with religious frescoes. Renowned ancient statues, including the Medici Venus and the Wrestlers, were relocated from Rome's Villa Medici to Florence, placed in the Tribune under Bernardo Buontalenti's direction.
Uffizi opens to the public
18th Century
In 1737, the end of the Medici dynasty prompted the bequeathal of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany to Francis of Lorraine. In 1743, Anna Maria Luisa de Medici signed the Family Pact, ensuring the preservation of artworks in Florence. The Uffizi Gallery officially opened in 1769 under Francesco’s successor, Leopold II, with a new entrance by Zanobi del Rosso. The collection was reorganized for educational purposes. In 1779, the Neoclassical Niobe Room, designed by Gaspare Maria Paoletti, housed statues from the Villa Medici in Rome.
Uffizi becomes a National Musuem
19th Century
The Uffizi Gallery underwent renovations and became a national museum in 1849 under Vittorio Emanuele II, featuring notable additions like "The Birth of Venus" and "The Annunciation." Leopold II added 28 statues (1842-1856), later transferring Renaissance statues to the National Museum of Bargello during Florence's capital years (1865-1871). Post-WWII, despite damages, evacuation efforts preserved most artworks. In 1889, the theatre was split into two exhibition spaces.
More famous Uffizi artworks
Renovations and expansions
20th Century
In 1956, architects Michelucci, Scarpa, and Gardella revamped the gallery rooms. Extensive renovations and expansions followed in 1965, including restoring the Vasari Corridor. This corridor, linking Uffizi to Palazzo Pitti, opened in 1991. The 1989 Nuovi Uffizi project modernized and expanded display space, covering lighting, air conditioning, and security updates. Despite a 1993 Mafia car bomb damaging parts of the Uffizi, impacting the Niobe Room and destroying five artworks while damaging 30 others, the gallery has been successfully restored and remains open to the public.
Modern Times
21st Century
In 2006, the Uffizi Gallery expanded its exhibition space from 6,000 sq m to nearly 13,000 sq m, showcasing artworks previously in storage. The Nuovi Uffizi project (2015-2017) further expanded into the Florence State Archive, increasing viewing capacity to 101 rooms. Despite a 150-day closure in 2020 due to the pandemic, Uffizi remained a top global art museum. Reopening in May 2021, it added 14 rooms and exhibited 129 additional artworks, aiming to provide representation for historically marginalized groups.
Book Uffizi Gallery tickets
Uffizi and Accademia (David) Guided Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Guided tour
More details
from
€78.85
Frequently asked questions about Uffizi Gallery history
When was the Uffizi Gallery established?
The construction of the Uffizi Gallery began in 1560 and was officially opened in 1581, making it one of the oldest art museums in the world.
What is the historical significance of the Uffizi Gallery?
The Uffizi Gallery, a cornerstone of art history, was initially commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici in the mid-16th century, not merely as a repository of art but as a symbol of the Medici family's unrivaled influence and patronage of the arts. Designed by the eminent architect Giorgio Vasari, it was conceived to house the administrative and judicial offices (uffizi) of the Florentine state, yet its destiny was to become one of the most celebrated temples of Renaissance art in the world.
Are there any historical figures associated with it?
The gallery is closely associated with the Medici family, who were the patrons of many of the artists whose works are displayed here.
What is the Medici family's significance?
The Medici family, pivotal figures in Florence from the 14th to the 17th century, were instrumental in the cultural and artistic flourishing of the Renaissance. Their legacy is closely tied to the Uffizi Gallery, commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici in the 16th century. As avid art patrons, they filled the Uffizi with works from Renaissance masters, turning it into a symbol of Florence's cultural dominance. The gallery showcases their wealth and taste and marks their significant role in making Florence a key artistic hub of Europe.
How has the Uffizi Gallery evolved over the years?
Originally an office for Florentine magistrates, it transformed into a public gallery housing the Medici's art collection, gradually expanding to its current grandeur.
What was the Uffizi Gallery before it was a museum?
The Uffizi was originally built to be the administrative offices of the Medici family and was called Uffizi, which translates to “offices”. It wasn’t until 1584, nearly 25 years after its completion, that Uffizi was converted into an art gallery.
When did the Uffizi become a Gallery?
The Uffizi Gallery was officially opened to the public in 1765. Before that, the second floor of the Uffizi building was used as a private art gallery by the Medici family. During the reign of Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, a gallery was first created on the second floor of the building, arranging the artwork in a museum-like fashion. However, it was not until the mid-18th century that the gallery was opened to the public.
What is the oldest painting in the Uffizi Gallery?
The 432 Cross, named after its inventory number in 1890, is considered one of the oldest paintings in the Uffizi Gallery. It is a tempera painting on panel, depicting a crucifixion scene with Mary and Saint John the Evangelist flanking the cross. The painting is believed to have been created by an anonymous Tuscan master born before 1200.
What events or incidents have shaped the history of the Uffizi Gallery?
Several key events and incidents have significantly shaped the history of the Uffizi Gallery, turning it into the world-renowned art museum it is today:
1. Commissioning by the Medici: The Uffizi Gallery was originally commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560, and designed by Giorgio Vasari. Initially, it served as offices for Florentine magistrates—hence the name "Uffizi" ("offices")—and over time, it evolved to house the Medici's growing art collection. The family’s decision to bequeath this collection to the city of Florence on the condition that it never leave the city was pivotal in the foundation of the Uffizi Gallery as a public museum.
2. Transition to a public museum: In the 18th century, the gallery officially opened to the public, becoming one of the first modern museums. This transition marked a significant shift in the accessibility of art, allowing wider public engagement with Renaissance masterpieces.
3. Addition of the Vasari Corridor: The Vasari Corridor, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1565, was a significant architectural addition, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti via the Uffizi. This corridor housed part of the Medici's art collection and provided a secure path for the Medici to move between residences.
4. Bombing in 1993: On May 27, 1993, a car bomb exploded in Via dei Georgofili, adjacent to the gallery. The attack caused significant damage to parts of the museum and killed several people. This event led to increased security measures and restoration efforts to repair damaged artworks and parts of the building.
Each of these events has contributed to the Uffizi Gallery's evolution from a private Medici collection to a public institution that showcases the pinnacle of Renaissance art to visitors from around the world.
Are there historical artifacts or exhibits on display?
Apart from paintings, the gallery displays a range of historical artifacts, including sculptures, ancient manuscripts, and ornate furniture.
What conservation efforts are in place here?
The gallery actively engages in restoration projects, preserving artworks for future generations, and uses climate control to protect its collection.
Are there guided tours explaining the Uffizi Gallery’s history?
Yes, guided tours are available, offering a deep dive into the Uffizi's history, unraveling fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts for an enriching experience.
