Uffizi Gallery: what to see, hours and tickets

Construction of the Uffizi, designed by architect Giorgio Vasari, began in 1560 on the commission of Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duca of Tuscany.

The building served as the seat for the offices (in italian "uffici" hence the name “Uffizi”) of the Florentine magistracies.

As time passed, the Medici began collecting works of art and displaying them in the building's spaces.

In 1584, Francesco I de' Medici opened the gallery to the public, making it accessible to a small elite of visitors. This gesture marked an important transformation of the building from an administrative space to an exhibition space.

In 1737, with the end of the Medici dynasty, the family's artistic heritage passed to the Grand Duca of Tuscany, continuing to grow through acquisitions and donations. The Uffizi Gallery established itself as one of the most prestigious museums in Europe.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Uffizi Gallery expanded and spaces were reclaimed to display an increasingly large collection.

In 1993, the Gallery suffered a serious attack that killed five people and damaged some works. However, the museum was quickly restored and reopened to the public, demonstrating the resilience of Florentine culture.

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the most important and renowned art galleries in the world.

Among the most significant works on display are:

La Nascita di Venere by Sandro Botticelli: This iconic work depicts the birth of the goddess Venus from the ocean, and is an extraordinary example of the Italian Renaissance.

La Primavera by Sandro Botticelli: Another of Botticelli's famous works, which explores themes of love and fertility through mythological and symbolic figures.

L'Annunciazione by Leonardo da Vinci: An early work by Leonardo showing the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus.

La Venere di Urbino by Tiziano: A masterpiece of the Venetian Renaissance depicting the goddess Venus in a sensual, relaxed pose.

Il Giudizio Universale by Michelangelo: An important work depicting the moment of final judgment, showing a wide variety of human figures in motion.

La Madonna col Bambino by Duccio: A significant example of Sienese painting, showing the traditional iconography of the Madonna and Child.

Il Ritratto di Eleonora di Toledo by Agnolo Bronzino: A portrait expressing the power and dignity of Renaissance nobility.

Il Battesimo di Cristo by Andrea del Verrocchio: A work that illustrates the collaboration between Verrocchio and a young Leonardo da Vinci, highlighting the artistic innovations of the time.

La Madonna del Cardellino by Raffaello: A masterpiece that shows the artist's mastery of the use of light and composition.

Il Tondo Doni by Michelangelo: A work that testifies to Michelangelo's skill in depicting the human figure.

The Uffizi Gallery houses many other works by artists such as Cimabue, Giotto, Rembrandt and Caravaggio, making it a must-see for art lovers.

The Uffizi Gallery's collections are divided into various sections, each representing a specific period and artistic style.

Among the most significant collections are:

Renaissance Painting

The Renaissance is well represented in the halls of the Uffizi with works by such masters as:

Sandro Botticelli: The most famous works include “La nascita di Venere” and “La Primavera,” which reflect mythological themes and an idealized aesthetic.

Leonardo da Vinci: The gallery houses works such as “L'Annunciazione” that show Leonardo's mastery of portraying humanity.

Michelangelo: Although most of his works are sculptures, the Uffizi features some of his famous paintings.

Baroque and Rococo

The transition to the Baroque is witnessed by artists such as:

Caravaggio: With works that capture attention for their realism and dramatic use of light and shadow.

Rubens: His exuberant and dynamic works enrich the collection, offering a contrast to the more restrained Renaissance.

Statuary and Decorative Art

In addition to painting, the Uffizi Gallery houses an extensive collection of sculpture and decorative art, including busts, bas-reliefs, and antiquities. These works offer a cross-section of art history through different eras and cultures.

The Uffizi Gallery is located in Piazza degli Uffizi in the historic center of Florence, just a short walk from the Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.

It is located in a building designed by architect Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century, a splendid example of Renaissance architecture.

The layout of the spaces and the building's large windows offer a magnificent view of the Arno River, while the magnificent loggia connecting the Uffizi to the Palazzo Vecchio is an architectural element that enriches its history as well as its aesthetics.

The duration of a visit to the Uffizi Gallery may vary depending on one's time availability and personal interest.

In general, at least 2-3 hours is recommended for a satisfactory visit.

There are several factors that can influence the length of the visit.

First, personal interest: for those who are particularly passionate about art history, they may want to spend more time in each room, examining details and learning the stories behind the works.

Visiting hours can also influence the length of your visit to the Uffizi Gallery.

In fact, the time that the Uffizi is busiest, especially during peak tourist season, affects the length of the visit. Booking a time-specific ticket can reduce waiting time and allowing you to make better use of your time inside the museum.

Participating in a guided tour may take longer, but offers an excellent opportunity to receive in-depth information and contextualize the works. Tours can be booked either through the Gallery's official website or through local tour agencies.

Possible breaks: visit time may increase for those who wish to take a break, visiting the gift store or café inside the Gallery.

Booking in advance: To avoid long lines, it is advisable to book tickets online. This will allow direct entry while saving a lot of time, especially during the peak season.

Choosing the right time: Early morning or late afternoon are generally the least crowded times. In addition, the Uffizi Gallery offers-every Tuesday until December 17, 2024-evening admission, with closing time for 10 pm.

Using a map: Taking a map at the entrance or downloading an app that can guide you through the various rooms can help optimize your route.

Focus on the main works: If time is limited, we recommend focusing on the most famous works. Making a “must-see” list can help you better organize your visit.

With proper planning regarding hours and tickets, visitors can best enjoy the extraordinary works of art the Uffizi Gallery has to offer.

The opening hours of the Uffizi Gallery vary depending on the season.

Generally, the museum is open:

March 1 to October 31: daily from 8:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.)

November 1 to February 28: daily from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry at 3:30 p.m.)

The Uffizi is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm.

Closed every Monday, January 1, May 1 and December 25.

It is always advisable to check the museum's official website, as hours may change for organizational or holiday reasons.

Tickets for the Uffizi Gallery can be purchased at the museum's ticket office, but it is strongly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines, especially during busy tourist periods.

The cost also varies depending on the season.

In high season (Dec. 21 / Jan. 9 - Feb. 21 / Nov. 9), the cost of the Uffizi entrance ticket is 25 euros, while the reduced price is only 2 euros.

In low season (Jan. 10 / Feb. 20 - Nov. 10 / Dec. 20) the ticket costs only 12 euros, with reduced only 2 euros.

The Uffizi Gallery is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There are dedicated elevators and paths inside the museum. It is always helpful to inquire in advance to have a comfortable visiting experience.

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. This initiative is part of a larger program that provides free visits to many museums and cultural sites in Italy.

For a greater overview of free museums in Florence, we recommend reading our article in the constantly updated News.

It is important to keep in mind that, during these free days, the museum may be very crowded.

Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early and, if possible, book in advance to avoid long lines.

Staying at a hotel near the Uffizi Gallery is an excellent option as the central location allows easy and quiet access not only to the Museum, but also to other important tourist attractions such as the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio.

Being in the heart of Florence also means experiencing the authenticity of Florentine culture, with its busy piazzas, typical restaurants and artisan stores.

Having a hotel in the historic center of Florence, avoids long commutes allowing you to enjoy more time for sightseeing and exploring the city.

The FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli manages to fully meet all these requirements by being located in the heart of Florence.

The Hotel is located a 4-minute walk from the Uffizi Gallery, only a 2-minute walk from Piazza Della Signoria, and only 5 minutes from Florence Cathedral!