Uffizi Gallery, holds to its credit of being one of the top museums in the world, as well as one of the oldest. The term ‘Uffizi’ literally means an office. Designed by Vasari in 1560, the building was meant to serve as the offices for the Florentine magistrates—hence the name “uffizi”. Built by Cosimo I, he entrusted Buontalenti with the creation of a Tribune where art objects could be exhibited, a place ‘to walk in with paintings, sculptures and other precious things’. In 1782, for the first time these works were organized into the Ancient Picture Room. Millions of visitors to Florence and Tuscany enter into the Uffizi to witness some of the most famous representatives of mankind’s artistic innovation through the centuries.
There is no reason to prevent people who are visually impaired or who suffer from mobility impairments to visit this museum has the Uffizi Gallery is highly equipped and has all the provisions to cater to such requirements. To understand the museum better and put things into perspective, audio guides are available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese. To acquaint yourselves with the works in the Gallery or buy souvenirs, make a stop at the bookshop. There are two museum shops, one located near the entrance and another right before the exit.
The Uffizi Gallery is located right in the heart of Florence. It is situated next to Piazza della Signoria and its beautiful Palazzo Vecchio. The Uffizi sits in between Palazzo Vecchio and the Arno river, with a great view of Ponte Vecchio. Entrances are on the left wing, ticket office to the right further down heading toward the Arno.
As far as accessing Florence is concerned, the city is well connected via air. It is highly recommended that tourists take a flight to Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci airport. From the airport, there is the option of either taking a car or a train. The closest bus and railway station is the Santa Maria Novella.
Important Information About Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15 am – 6:50 pm. The museum remains closed on Mondays. The ticket office closes at 6:05 pm, and museum starts closing down at 6:35 pm. Other than Mondays, the museum is closed on January 1, May 1, December 25.
Tips
- Long, serpentine queues are a common occurrence which can be spotted at Uffizi Gallery. To avoid long lines at peak times, booking tickets online is the best option as the Uffizi has a reserved entrance for visitors with advance purchase tickets.
- If you want to explore it completely, it is allotting at least 3-4 hours for your visit is advisable. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the main masterpieces, still give yourself at least 2 hours.
- Pictures are only allowed along the corridors taken toward the exterior of the museum, which means either towards the Arno river of Ponte Vecchio or to the inside courtyard toward Palazzo Vecchio. There is the option of requesting permission ahead of time, and obtaining a permit if you want to photograph the exhibits.
- There is a café which also offers restaurant service at the very end of the second floor, located on the terrace above the Loggia degli Uffizi that looks out over the city and Palazzo Vecchio.
- All visitors must hand in umbrellas, large bags and backpacks in the cloakroom, which is near the entrance and is free of cost.
- No drinks are allowed inside the museum premises.
For an interesting history lesson, plan a visit to Uffizi Gallery!
