Uffizi Gallery Reviews (Florence, Italy)

Italian Galleria

Moscow, Moskva, Russia

May 5, 2011

Email
Print

Uffizi Gallery - (Italian Galleria degli Uffizi-"gallery offices") - a palace built in Florence in the years 1560-1581, with an initial aim to bring all government services under one roof. The building of the Uffizi (architect Vazari, 1560-1580) ...Read more Uffizi Gallery - (Italian Galleria degli Uffizi-"gallery offices") - a palace built in Florence in the years 1560-1581, with an initial aim to bring all government services under one roof. The building of the Uffizi (architect Vazari, 1560-1580) represents two of the same type of construction, coupled indoor arch - a transition.

The decor of the building is simple and strict: black stone (pietra serena) in combination with white stucco, the entrance is a portico with arcades. Appearance of the building clearly indicates its purpose - probably office buildings throughout the world have common features. Uniformity and rhythm of architectural style - it's an allegory of centralized power and its systematic work.

Uffizi is a museum.
In 1581, Francesco I de 'Medici, a passionate collector, he ordered to be moved to the Uffizi most valuable items from the family collection of palaces and villas and located on the second floor administrative offices to remove.
Since then, the building became the Uffizi museum, in this connection were carried out significant restructuring. For the first time in the history of museums have been established exhibition halls.

One of the first was set up "gallery of statues" (first passage) for the design of which invited a group of Florentine artists.

Private collection becomes a public museum.

Henry W. Morton in his book "Walking in northern Italy," wrote the most interesting things about the Uffizi Gallery:
"Some visitors, moving along with the crowd on a beautiful gallery, may wonder why of all the capitals of the ducal family treasures of Italy retained only in Florence. This question is really worrying me since I arrived in the city. How did this happen?"
Art collection, which even the expert could not estimate, survived after the death of the family that created it. Today you can see it on the walls and rooms of the palaces, for which it was intended.
The miracle is created woman, whose name you do not often hear, even in Florence. It was the wife of the Elector of Anna Maria Lodovico, the only daughter of Cosimo III and sister of the last Grand Duke.

31 October 1737 last in the dynasty of the Medici, Anna Maria has signed a "family agreement" with Franz Stephan of Lorraine, the ruler of Tuscany, that the building of the Uffizi, Pitti Palace and all kinds of collections of the Medici become the property of the city. Anna Maria has set certain conditions: the monuments that are stored in the Uffizi, should never leave the city of Florence, the collection should be accessible to everyone. Thus, the Uffizi since 1737 declared "the sovereign's gallery", ie privileged place of public exposure of all the treasures of the Grand Duke. Thus, the Uffizi acquires the status of a public museum, before the Louvre, the British Museum, and most others.

The best collection of works by Botticelli in the Uffizi - the main museum of his native city. It is equally natural that these works are collected in a building once owned by the Medici family, which was closely connected life of a famous artist.

And in the Uffizi is open a large veranda where you can "digest" the impressions from meeting with the art, a little rest before long hikes through the halls of the gallery, have a drink hideous coffee, a breath of fresh air, smoke and take some photos of Florence from this relatively high points. Close

From journal The “Cradle of the Renaissance”

A Must for Every Lover of Art

by artslover

Calgary, Alberta

February 3, 2010

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Any self respecting art lover would not miss a visit to the Uffizi while in Florence. But like the Louvre in Paris and Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Uffizi has more works of art than a person can take in on one visit, even though the Uffizi ...Read more

From journal Four Florence Museums and an Experience

Treasure Box

by MagdaDH_AlexH

Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom

November 21, 2009

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Florence's Uffizi is one of the iconic galleries of the world, and probably the best collection of paintings in Italy. Everybody with any interest in Italian (and by extension, European) painting of the last last few hundred years, but ...Read more

From journal Winter Tuscany

Best Museum Experience

by anitaellen83

Dallas, Texas

January 6, 2009

Email
Print

There are so many galleries you could spend an entire day in the Galleria degli Uffizi. My favorite painting of all time, The Birth of Venus was there, but so many more as well. It was really amazing how many paintings I recognized in there given ...Read more

From journal Five Weeks Studying and Touring in Italy

Wear Comfortable Shoes! Because It's a Must See

by manlalakbay

davao, Philippines

December 16, 2008

Email
Print

It's crazy to wear new shoes when going to a museum! Something I learned when I entered the Uffizi museum. The main attraction of the place was the Botticeli paintings of "The Birth of Venus" and "Spring." But once again the museum boasts of the ...Read more It's crazy to wear new shoes when going to a museum! Something I learned when I entered the Uffizi museum. The main attraction of the place was the Botticeli paintings of "The Birth of Venus" and "Spring."

But once again the museum boasts of the many talented Italian artists of the Renaissance and Medieval periods. The corridors to the galleries were also lined with different marble sculptures depicting Roman gods, mythical figures and religious characters.

The experience of going through the entire museum was actually quite overwhelming. With three floors of artworks, the ten euros entrance fee we paid for was definitely worth it. Especially when we finally got to the renowned Boticelli paintings.

It was about two and half wingspan in width. Venus stood there right in front of me, in full glory and beauty. The three muses danced as spring came. It was just absolutely stunning and unbelievable to see these masterpieces right in front of me. I had to stare at the paintings for a while, trying to absorb every detail possible. Unfortunately, taking photographs are not allowed so I had to store it all in my brain.

There were many other great paintings as well, but it was only Caravaggio that I remembered. The sheer number of artwork with recurring themes and different artists, when trying to be remembered meld into each other already. But I can remember the sheer awe I felt looking at those I found most interesting. There was so much passion and artistry etched on canvas!

It was funny because we kept looking for the Caravaggio angels since there were postcards and novelty items posted in the museum shop, but apparently it was not in this museum. However, it was still interesting to see the softness of Caravaggio's painting as depicted in "Bacchus." Unlike the masculine and rough depictions in other paintings, Caravaggio's Bachus tended to be more androgenous, bordering on feminine.

All in all, it is definitely worth your money and time if you like art. Make sure you come early so you can relish the paintings that catch your attention. Because there are just absolutely plenty! Close

From journal A Day and a Half in Florence

Do not Miss the World's Foremost Repository of Renaissance Art!

by Liam Hetherington

Manchester, United Kingdom

August 10, 2008

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo The Uffizi is one of the world’s greatest repositaries of art, no question. The jackdaw collection of the Medicis whose offices (‘uffizi’) these were, it is particularly rich on medieval works and is THE place to see the explosion that happened here ...Read more

From journal Florence, Birth-Place of the Renaissance

Galleria degli Uffizi

by pointofnoreturn

Ottawa, Ontario

August 26, 2007

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's premier galleries for Renaissance art. It is the home to renowned pieces such as Boticelli's "Birth of Venus", da Vinci's "Adoration of the Magi", Carravaggio's "Sacrifice of Isaac" and many more. Because the ...Read more The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's premier galleries for Renaissance art. It is the home to renowned pieces such as Boticelli's "Birth of Venus", da Vinci's "Adoration of the Magi", Carravaggio's "Sacrifice of Isaac" and many more. Because the Uffizi is essentially the most popular gallery in Florence, having pre-booked tickets is a must. Without reservations, you may have to wait up to more than three hours in line. Getting reserved tickets is easy. You can use a calling card to call Firenze Musei at +39 055294883. With this number, you can also reserve tickets for the Accademia.

The Uffizi is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 8:15am to 6:50pm and closed on Mondays and holidays. It is a short walk from the train station (10 minutes) although you can take Bus No. 23 directly to the gallery. Tickets are €6.50 each and if you reserve tickets for a pre-determined date/time, you must pay an extra €3 reservation fee (per ticket). There are reduced rates for EU citizens as well. It may be wise to plan your trip to Florence (or Italy even) during Italy's Culture Week (typically in April or May and dates are announced sometimes in February of that year). During Culture Week, all Italian state-run museums, galleries, and archaeological sites are free of charge which is perfect for budget travellers looking to save money. We took advantage of that and happened to be in Florence during Culture Week and did not have to pay anything except the reservation fees so it was a huge bargain for us.

We reserved tickets for May 15 at 9:30 but we had travelled so much that we lost track of the days and instead showed up on the 16th thinking it was the 15th. However the ticket agent was sympathetic and gave us tickets at no charge (we still paid the €3 reservation fees. So let that be a lesson to you guys: always keep track of the dates! We considered ourselves lucky because the line was so long for people who didn't reserve tickets for it was already around the block! Waiting in line didn't take very long, maybe 20 minutes at the most. You are required to go through security in which they'll ask you to dispose of plastic bottles and check large bags/umbrellas. No photography is allowed whatsoever. There is an exception - you are allowed to use your camera in the part of the gallery that has a great view of Ponte Vecchio in which you can take pictures of.

During my visit, the Uffizi was crowded but it was so worth it to see the beautiful works by Botticelli (and Carravagio. I must have spent 3 hours wandering around the gallery and also purchased a few choice items in the gift shop which has everything you could imagine. If you're in Florence, you MUST visit the Uffizi. To not do so is a travesty for it's truly one of a kind! Close

From journal 3 Nights in Fabulous Florence

Uffizi

by artslover

Calgary, Alberta

May 28, 2007

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo This is one of the most famous museums of paintings and sculpture in the world. Its collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings includes several universally acclaimed masterpieces of all time - an absolute must see for any art lover.The Uffizi ...Read more This is one of the most famous museums of paintings and sculpture in the world. Its collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings includes several universally acclaimed masterpieces of all time - an absolute must see for any art lover.

The Uffizi Gallery occupies the top floor of the large building erected by Giorgio Vasari between 1560 and 1580 to house the administrative offices of the Tuscan State - thus, the name uffizi, which means offices. The Gallery was created by Grand-duke Francesco I and subsequently enriched by various members of the Medici family, who were great collectors of paintings, sculpture and works of art.

We did this as a small group tour with Context Florence, whose website can be found at: florence.contexttravel.com. The group was potentially six people but it ended up being only me and my husband. So for €33 each, which included the ticket for the Uffizi, we got a private tour.

Context Florence, which is part of the Context Tours organization, uses only docents who have masters or PhDs in a related field. Our docent had her masters in art history and was teaching art history while researching for her further degree. She was a great resource so that we could make the best use of our time. With our pre-paid tickets, we avoided the wait to buy tickets and speedily negotiated the security queue.

The art gallery starts from the 13th century with Cimabue, and ends with Tiepolo, Canaletto, and Guardi in the last hall. In between, we found the Italian paintings of the Tuscan Macchiaioli, Carrà and Severini, the Frenchmen, Ingres and Delacroix, and also Durer, Rubens, and Rembrandt. There is an unbeatable Florentine and Italian Renaissance selection of paintings by Giotto, Simone Martini, Piero della Francesca, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael, with no less than 27 Botticelli’s, including The Birth of Venus and the Prima Vera. There is also the impressive Doni Tondo by Michelangelo.

When we visited, the Annunciation by Leonardo Da Vinci was on loan for an exhibit in Japan, causing great controversy to have allowed a masterpiece to leave the shores of Italy. Not Renaissance, but also a masterpiece is Caravaggio’s Medusa as well as his Sick Bacchus and Rest on the Flight to Egypt.

The Uffizi does not allow cameras but we were able to take photos on the outdoor terrace of the café, on the top floor, where we saw some unusual views of the Plazzo Vecchio and Il Duomo in the distance.

There are a number of bookstores on the ground floor and the public washrooms in the basement are some of the nicest I ever saw in Italy, although it was a rather long walk to get to them.

Despite the three hour tour, we focused on only parts of the collection. There’s so much more I’d like to return to and see. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15am to 7pm. Close

From journal Arte Firenze

Uffizi

by romantheworld

Brisbane, Australia

January 2, 2007

Email
Print

The first day you arrive in Florence, check into your hotel, then leave straight away to the Uffizi. Order your tickets for a few days later (thus avoiding massive lines) and explore other Florentine treasures while you wait in anticipation for a ...Read more

From journal Florence's Greatest Art Collection

Galleria degli Uffizi

by Tolik

Tampa, Florida

August 11, 2004

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo The Galleria degli Uffizi holds Italy's greatest art collection; it means every visitor goes to the Uffizi first. There are three ways of getting into the gallery. First, and the worst one – you stay in the line from 30 minutes (in a rainy November ...Read more

From journal The Treasures of Florence

IgoUgo

Uffizi Gallery

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

Italian Galleria

A Must for Every Lover of Art

Treasure Box

Best Museum Experience

Wear Comfortable Shoes! Because It's a Must See

Do not Miss the World's Foremost Repository of Renaissance Art!

Galleria degli Uffizi

Uffizi

Uffizi

Galleria degli Uffizi

Uffizi Gallery

What's Nearby?

Nearby Things to Do

Popular Florence Hotels

Popular Things to Do in Florence

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

Italian Galleria

A Must for Every Lover of Art

Treasure Box

Best Museum Experience

Wear Comfortable Shoes! Because It's a Must See

Do not Miss the World's Foremost Repository of Renaissance Art!

Galleria degli Uffizi

Uffizi

Uffizi

Galleria degli Uffizi