Contents

Everything about Uffizi Gallery - Collection, architecture, history & highlights

The Uffizi Art Gallery in Florence, one of Europe's oldest museums, houses a remarkable collection of Renaissance masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Explore ticket options conveniently on our platform.

Founded On

1769

Founded By

Giorgio Vasari

Quick information

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

2008625

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

5

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

2+ hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1982

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Wander the Vasari Corridor, a covert passageway linking Uffizi to Pitti Palace across the Arno River, shrouded in historical intrigue.

Journey back to 3100 BCE with the ancient Egyptian masterpiece, the Narmer Palette, residing within Uffizi's renowned collection.

Explore the hidden treasures of Room 35, known as the "Room of the Loeser Bequest," showcasing antique furniture and paintings collected by Charles Loeser.




Uffizi Gallery Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
More details
from
€19.90
Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
More details
from
€50.67
Uffizi and Accademia (David) Guided Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Guided tour
More details
from
€94.69
Uffizi and Accademia Skip-the-Line Tickets with Host
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
More details
from
€65.46
  • See art masterpieces: You'll view some of the world's most famous artworks up close, like Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation." It's like stepping into a history book filled with incredible paintings.
  • Return to the Renaissance: The gallery itself is housed in a stunning Renaissance palace built in the 16th century. Walking through its corridors feels like you're traveling back in time, surrounded by rich history and architecture.
  • Striking views of the city: From certain points in the gallery, you get breathtaking views of Florence. A lot of the windows offer some really wonderful views of the Arno River. In fact, you can even get a shot of the Ponte Vecchio from some of them.
  • Be lured by the Medici family's mystery: The Uffizi Gallery is the Medici family's legacy. They were patrons of the arts and played a crucial role in Florence's cultural and political history. Exploring the gallery offers a glimpse into the Medici's world, their support of artists, and their impact on shaping Florence into the cultural hub it is today.
Tourists exploring the grand ground floor of the Uffizi Gallery, with its statues and arches basking in the Florence sunlight

Ground floor

The Ground Floor of the Uffizi Gallery is practical, housing amenities like the audioguide station, bookshop, and cloakroom. It serves as the entrance and exit point for the museum. After exploring the first and second floors, visit the exit for souvenir shopping at the extensive bookshop, featuring Uffizi-related titles, a post office for mailing postcards, and an ATM.

Elegant interior of the Uffizi Gallery's first floor with checkered floors, lined with classical statues and richly decorated ceilings

First floor

The floor features a concise collection across four sections. The Blue Rooms (46 to 55) exhibit foreign artists like Rembrandt and Goya. The Red Rooms (56 to 66) display paintings and sculptures by Raphael, Andrea del Sarto, and others. The Carravaggesque Rooms (90 to 93) showcase Caravaggio's works. Additionally, the Balcony over the Arno presents three impressive sculptures, including the Medici Vase.

Intimate second-floor room in the Uffizi Gallery, with marble sculptures set against luxurious red walls and golden-framed artworks

Second floor

The Uffizi Gallery's second floor has 45 rooms arranged in a U-shape, featuring a diverse collection from ancient statues to Medici pieces. Highlights include Leonardo Da Vinci's "Adoration of the Magi" and "The Baptism of Christ," along with 15+ Botticelli works like "Birth of Venus." Explore miniatures, relics, ancient maps, and art by masters such as Lippi, Pollaiolo, Perugino, Signorelli, Bellini, Giorgione, Mantegna, and Correggio.

Uffizi Museum is a rare gallery where even the architecture of the venue is considered as important as the art. Some architectural highlights to look out for include the following:

  • The Uffizi Palace: Perhaps one of the most important pieces of Italian architecture from the 16th century, this was designed by Giorgio Vasari to house the offices (“uffizi”) of the magistrates of Florence. Created in Classical style, the space is open and bright.
  • The Grand Staircase: This opulent staircase is divided into two parts. The first was designed by Vasari in the Florentine Renaissance style and stops at the first floor. The second part leads to the gallery floor and is designed in Neoclassical form.
  • The Gallery Corridors: The three corridors on the top floor of the Uffizi Museum feature frescoes that date back to 1550-1700 ca. 
  • The Tribune: Created in the early 1580s by Bernardo Buontalenti, the Tribune is an octagonal room that was designed in a way that alluded to the four elements.
Why is the Uffizi Gallery significant?

The Uffizi Gallery, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the most famous and important art museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of priceless artworks, primarily from the Italian Renaissance, including masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.

What are the must-see artworks at the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi Gallery boasts a wealth of artistic treasures spanning centuries. Key highlights include Leonardo Da Vinci's Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi, over 15 works by Botticelli, including the Birth of Venus and La Primavera, and Medusa by Caravaggio.

Why was the Uffizi Gallery built?

The Uffizi Gallery was originally constructed not as a museum, but as offices for the Florentine magistrates — hence its name, "Uffizi," which means "offices" in Italian. Commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, the building’s primary purpose was to consolidate the administrative offices of the Tuscan state under one roof, as part of Cosimo’s efforts to organize and strengthen his newly established grand ducal administration.
Beyond this, the Uffizi was also intended to house the art collections of the Medici family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Europe at the time. As their collection grew, parts of the Uffizi were gradually used to display these works to a select audience, marking the beginning of its transition to a gallery. After the Medici dynasty ended in the 18th century, the last Medici heiress, Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, bequeathed the entire collection to the city of Florence under the condition that it would never leave the city. This collection formed the core of the Uffizi Gallery as we know it today, officially opened to the public as a museum in 1765.

Who designed the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi Gallery was designed and built by the renowned architect Giorgio Vasari beginning in 1560. Vasari was a protégé of the Medici family and he created this iconic building as part of his grand plan for the city.

What architectural style is the Uffizi Gallery known for?

It's known for its Renaissance architecture, with orderly columns, elegant arches, and geometric harmony reflecting the era's artistic ideals.

When did the Uffizi Gallery open?

The Uffizi Gallery officially opened in 1765, when Grand Duke Peter Leopold of the House of Medici declared the collection of artwork open to the public.

What is the Uffizi Gallery famous for?

The Uffizi Gallery is famous for its expansive collection of artwork from the Renaissance era, including some of the most celebrated pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. It is also well known for its iconic architecture and breathtaking views of the Arno River and Florence cityscape.

What’s inside the Uffizi Gallery?

Inside the Uffizi Gallery you will find a vast collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries from the Medieval through Baroque periods. The museum also features a library and several temporary exhibits throughout the year. Additionally, the gallery is home to a number of important works of art, including Michelangelo's The Entombment, Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, and Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch.

Is the Uffizi Gallery free?

Unfortunately, admission to the Uffizi Gallery is not free. However, discounted tickets are available to students and visitors under the age of 18. Other visitors will have to purchase Uffizi Gallery tickets to enjoy access to the museum.

How do I book tickets to visit the Uffizi Gallery?

Tickets for the Uffizi Gallery can be purchased online or in person at the museum. It is recommended to book ahead of time in order to avoid long lines and ensure availability.

How much does it cost to visit the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffiizi Gallery ticket prices start at €20.

What are the opening hours of Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi Gallery is open from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays, and select public holidays, such as Christmas.