By: Claire Marti, to Museum Spotlight Europe (January 2022)
The Uffizi Gallery, “Galleria degli Uffizi,” boasts the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art, located in the Historic Centre of Florence. Commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1560, the building was designed by Giorgio Vasari, the architect who designed the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall. Giorgio Vasari didn’t simply construct a building that houses art, he created art itself.
The building’s Renaissance style celebrates modern lines and wide open spaces. Originally intended for magistrates, the building was called the “Uffizi,” which translates to “offices.” Upon completion in 1581, the purpose evolved from practical to artistic.
Cosimo’s son Francesco I de’ Medici, the second Grand Duke of Tuscany, wanted a private place for the family to admire the enormous collection of statues and precious art they’d acquired during their rulership. It wasn’t until centuries later, when the Medici dynasty died out, that these private collections were shared with the public. The top floor of the east wing of the building became the broad gallery that visitors savor today.
Your journey to the masterpieces from Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and Giotto, begins when you ascend two grand staircases with distinct architectural styles. Vasari designed the first flight in Florentine Renaissance style with pietra serena sandstone. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes on your visit because once you’ve traversed the first flight of stairs, the Uffizi encompasses 45 rooms with long galleries and rich collections of art you won’t want to miss.
The second flight of stairs wasn’t added until the 1790s when the young Grand Duke chose to open the private gallery to the public. Previously, the gallery was reserved for the privileged classes. A well-known Florentine architect, Zanobi del Rosso, constructed the stairs and the vestibule. Unlike the style of the first grand staircase, the elegant, neoclassical, pastel green stairs represent the enlightenment style.
In addition to viewing the paintings, sculptures, and artifacts spanning from the 13th century to the the 20th century, observe the walls, ceilings, and floors. The incredible mastery exhibited in the frescoed ceilings, painted to glorify the reign of the Medici, span the east, west, and south corridors of the Galleria. Enormous windows display the scenery of Florence’s verdant hillsides, the sparkling Arno River, and city monuments. Ancient Roman replicas of Greek sculptures line the walls of each hallway.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating and magical spaces is the Tribuna of the Uffizi, an octagonal room that was designed by Bernard Buontalenti in 1584. Visitors aren’t allowed to enter the space, but can appreciate the unique room celebrating the four elements from its open doorways.
First, you’ll admire the red velvet walls which evoke fire. Earth is represented by the marble mosaic, air by the lantern, and water by the frescoed plinth. Natural light streams down from the domed glass ceiling, illuminating the priceless paintings and sculptures beautifully. There’s a mystical element to this room, and some controversy exists as to whether hidden meanings were incorporated from alchemy, from the celestial number eight, and from personal expressions of the Grand Duke’s love life.
These architectural and artistic elements highlight the treasures contained within the Uffizi’s walls. If you aren’t familiar with the breadth and depth of the Uffizi’s collections, it is reputed to be the biggest collection of Italian Renaissance art in the world. Ample time is needed to visit all of the paintings, sculptures, antiques, and more than 100,000 drawings and prints.
First, once you arrive in Florence, make sure to reserve your tickets online to avoid the lines at Uffizi. It’s simple to do and will save you hours of waiting to start your experience. If there are certain exhibits that are must-sees for you, check out where each is located. The art is organized in different halls, with rooms dedicated to certain artists. If you don’t have time to see everything, here is a quick guide to help you prioritize your visit.
Hall 2 – Giotto, who is considered an originator of modern painting, and works of art from other masters of the 13th century.
Halls 5/6 – International Gothic, which exhibits the elegant taste of the flamboyant Gothic period of the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
Hall 7 – Renovated in 2015, this hall is dedicated to Gentile da Fabriano, another artist from the International Gothic period.
Hall 8 – This room is dedicated to Filippo Lippi, one of the masters of the early Renaissance. He was an early teacher of Sandro Botticelli and is considered one of the most influential painters of the 15th century.
Halls 10/14 – This room may be the most famous in the Uffizi because it contains some of the greatest works by Sandro Botticelli. Even if you aren’t familiar with Renaissance art, you’ve probably heard of The Birth of Venus (c. 1484) and The Spring (c.1482). Botticelli’s refined style showed spirituality through love, harmony and ideal beauty.
Hall 15 – Early works by Leonardo da Vinci are highlighted in these rooms, along with paintings by masters active in the later 15th and early 16th centuries, such as Perugino, Luca Signorelli, and Piero di Cosimo.
Hall 35 – Michelangelo and the Florentines are highlighted in this hall, showing the High Renaissance through the Mannerism periods. Do your best to visit this room, which displays the only painting by Michelangelo remaining in Florence, the Tondo Doni or the Holy Family with the Infant and St. John the Baptist (c. 1506-1508) by Michelangelo.
Hall 66 – Raffaello’s works from 1504 to 1508 from his time in Florence are displayed here.
Halls 57 and 58 – Andrea del Sarto was one of the leading figures of the early 16th century and is important to understanding the transition from High Renaissance style to the Mannerism of the more recognized artists Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raffaelo.
Hall 83 – Titian—This new hall is dedicated to the Venetian master, Titian, and is highly recommended!
Hall 90 –This room exhibits the distinctive, emotionally charged work of Caravaggio, who created impressive art before his early death at age 38 in 1610.
“Image by Uffizi Galleries via https://www.uffizi.it/en/pages/press-area.”
The architectural design of the Uffizi creates a unique experience where you are surrounded by art: above you with the frescoes, around you with statues and sculpture, and through every doorway you enter. Don’t miss out on this incredible museum!
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