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The Uffizi's CollectionSome of the most famous pieces of Renaissance art ever produced can be found hanging in the 45 rooms of the Uffizi, on the north bank of the Arno River.
Included in the roll call is the iconic Birth of Venus by Botticelli; Paolo Uccello's epic Battle of San Romano; Madonna and Two Angels, by Filippo Lippi; Caravaggio's Bacchus; and Doni Tondo, the only panel painting securely attributed to Michelangelo.
The gallery's total of 3,100 major works also includes pieces by such natives as Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, Duccio, Giotto, Bronzino, Perugino, Andrea del Verrocchio, and many more besides. Foreign schools are also well represented with masterpieces from Rembrandt, Durer and Rubens. |
 | Origions of the GalleryThe Uffizi's life began 1560 when Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany commissioned Giorgio Vasari to create a palace specifically to house the offices of the Medici family - "uffizi" simply means "offices" in the Florentine dialect. Later, the family moved their art collections here and, in 1591, Cosimo's son, Francesco I, made it Europe's first modern museum when he opened it to visitors on request. In 1765 it laid another milestone by becoming the first gallery to open its doors to the general public. As well as their paintings, the Medici's possessions included part of the grand-ducal collection of statues, jewellery, medals, weapons and scientific instruments, all of which remain on display today. Various family members, along with the building's architect, are immortalised on the walls of the Vasarian Corridor, which was constructed in 1564 to connect the Pitti Palace with the "offices". The corridor's niche is self-portraits of the masters, with offerings by Andrea del Sarto, Delacroix, Bernini, Salvator Rosa, Francesco Hayez, Rubens and many others on show. |
Prints and DrawingsAnother enthralling distraction is
the Collection of Prints and Drawings, which was founded in the early part
of the 20th century. In total, it contains a staggering 110,000 items by some
of the Italian Renaissance's leading names (da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo),
as well as a library, several exhibition rooms and assorted hauls of photographs
and figurative art.
With so many rooms available, many of the major artists
(Titian, Filippo Lippi, Raphael, Rembrandt) are afforded themed rooms centred
on their chief works. Other specifically styled rooms include a paean to the
"lesser-known" artists of the 14th-cenutry Florentine School (Room 4),
and the Map Room (16), which takes its name from Stefano Buonsignori's glorious
16th-century maps of Tuscany painted on the walls. Perhaps the most spectacular
chamber, however, is the octagonal Tribune, which was conceived by Francesco's
favourite artist, Bernardo Buontalenti, and later decorated with shells by
Pocchetti. In addition, it is presided over by Roman statues and a soaring
cupola, and, in conjunction with its opulence, even features a treasury of
booty once belonging to medieval Nordic kings.
Advice for Travellers about the Uffizi
The Uffizi's riches are no secret. The gallery is popular all year round,
but especially so in the summer. The best plan is to reserve tickets at least
a day in advance, a week in advance is more advisable (there is a 3 Euro fee) in order to significantly reduce any waiting time. This ticket only entry allows you to bypass the long queues. Once tickets have been ordered, ask any staff on or near the entrance door if you can get your tickets from the office. It is best to have noted down the number you have recieved during the booking process and the time at which you were alocated for your tour. If you choose to take your chances on a standard admission be prepared to stand in the queue for up to 3 hours.
Uffizi Gallery Ticket Reservations
Tel: 055 294 883
Offical Site of The Uffizi Gallery Florence
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