Artworks at Uffizi Gallery | Iconic paintings, sculptures, & more

Housed in a stunning 16th-century palace, the Uffizi is where culture, history, and beauty come alive. No wonder millions queue up each year to experience it!

What’s inside?

🖼️ 1,800 paintings
✍️ 177,000 drawings & prints
🗿 300 sculptures
📜 Rare manuscripts & artifacts

Here are the top collections to look out for on your visit.

Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" painting at Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Birth of Venus

Artist: Sandro Botticelli
Location: Rooms 10-14

This artwork depicts the goddess of love and beauty, Venus arriving on the island of Cyprus on a large scallop shell.

More about the Birth of Venus
The Annunciation painting by Leonardo da Vinci at Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

The Annunciation

Artists: Leonardo Da Vinci and Andrea del Verrochio
Location: Room 35

Though one of his early works, it beautifully depicts the moment when the Virgin Mary receives the Archangel Gabriel's announcement of Jesus' birth.

Medusa by Caravaggio displayed at the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Medusa

Artist: Caravaggio
Location: Room 90

Caravaggio used his own face to convey Medusa's horrified expression after her beheading by the Greek demigod Perseus.

More about Medusa
Reclining nude in Titian's "Venus of Urbino" at Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Venus of Urbino

Artist: Titian
Location: Room 83

Titian's 1538 painting, inspired by Giorgione’s Sleeping Venus, boldly portrays the goddess Venus in a seductive pose, gazing at the viewer.

Visitor admiring Renaissance paintings in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Coronation of the Virgin

Artist: Fra Angelico
Location: Room 6

Part of a triptych, its companions are The Marriage and The Funeral of the Virgin. Created by Fra Angelico, the gilded technique illuminates the scene with golden rays, evoking spirituality.

Bacchus by Caravaggio painting at Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Bacchus

Artist: Caravaggio
Location: Room 90

The oil painting features Bacchus with fruit and a carafe of wine in front of him. He extends a goblet of wine out, almost as if offering the viewer to join him.

Judith beheading Holofernes, painting by Artemisia Gentileschi at Uffizi Gallery.

Judith beheading Holofernes

Artist: Artemisia Gentileschi
Location: Room 90

The artwork, known for its intense portrayal of violence and the protagonist's determination, faced strong reactions in the 17th century but is now appreciated for its feminist theme.

Portrait of Bishop of Bologna, Ludovico Beccadelli (1501-1572)

Artist: Titian
Location: Room 83

The open letter in the figure's hand contains both the name of the Catholic archbishop and the artist himself, and was lauded for its close likeness to the subject.

Sculptures

Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence Bernini Uffizi

Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence

Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini 

Created from a single block of Carrara marble, the statue was sculpted by Bernini when he was around 15 years old. He used different tools to create textures and only the front part of the sculpture is polished, indicating that is how it was meant to be viewed.

Marino Marini's 'Pomona', an elegant bronze sculpture, highlighted at Uffizi Gallery

Pomona

Artist: Marini Marino

This bronze sculpture, about 160 cm in height, depicts the Etruscan god of fertility — Pomona. This particular sculpture has two replicas, one of which is in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.

Medici Venus statue, a classical masterpiece amidst lavish Renaissance art, in Uffizi Gallery

Medici Venus

Artist: Unknown

The Medici Venus, sculpted in the 2nd century B.C., is a graceful representation of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Standing at 153 cm, this marble statue features the goddess covering herself modestly.

Laocoön and His Sons, intense marble group by Baccio Bandinelli, on display at Uffizi Gallery

Laocoon and His Sons

Artist: Baccio Bandinelli

The life-size sculpture is a replica of the original Hellenistic sculpture that stands on a permanent display at the Vatican Museum. The inspiration for the sculpture was taken from the poet Virgil’s epic poem titled Aeneid.

Spectator in straw hat viewing 'Putto with Lightning Bolt', classical sculpture attributed to Praxiteles and Polycletus at Uffizi Gallery

Putto with Lightning Bolt

Artist: Praxiteles and Polycletus

The Roman marble relief, Putto with Lightning Bolt, from the mid-1st century A.D., adorned Emperor Claudius's podium. Originally part of a larger composition, it now features a putto holding Zeus’ Lightning Bolt.

Detailed sarcophagus carving portraying the labors of Hercules, Uffizi Gallery exhibit

Sarcophagus depicting the labours of Hercules

Artist: Unknown

The Roman sarcophagus, depicting the Labours of Hercules and dating from 150-160 A.D., stands as a testament to ancient burial customs. Crafted from Docimium marble, it illustrates Hercules' heroic tasks.

Crowd admiring Sandro Botticelli's painting, capturing the essence of Renaissance art at Uffizi Gallery

Sandro Botticelli

Renowned for his ethereal masterpieces, Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" showcase his iconic use of grace and symbolism.

Close-up of a Caravaggio painting, showcasing dramatic use of light and shadow, at Uffizi Gallery

Caravaggio

A master of chiaroscuro, Caravaggio's intense realism and dramatic lighting captivate in works like "Medusa" and "Bacchus."

Leonardo da Vinci's detailed portrayal of the Annunciation, a piece of early Renaissance splendor, at Uffizi Gallery

Leonardo da Vinci

The genius behind the "Annunciation" and "Adoration of the Magi," da Vinci's diverse talents span art, science, and innovation.

Visitors engrossed by Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni, the masterful circular painting that captivates with its vivid colors and divine composition at Uffizi Gallery

Michelangelo

Known for the sublime "Doni Tondo" and his iconic sculptures, Michelangelo's influence extends from the Sistine Chapel to the Uffizi Gallery.

Visitor tips

  • Cloakrooms are available at the gallery for free storage of umbrellas, backpacks, and other large items.
  • Wheelchair-bound visitors can enter the museum and go directly to the second floor from the Vasari Auditorium
  • Guide dogs, service dogs, and therapeutic pets are allowed into the museum.
  • Children of ages 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • You are expected to maintain the decorum of the exhibition areas by refraining from eating, drinking, speaking loudly, running around, and touching the exhibits.
  • There is a cafe on the second floor where you can have snacks and drinks while enjoying panoramic views of the historical center of Florence.
  • You can buy souvenirs, children’s books, art history books, and more at the bookstore towards the entrance/exit of the gallery.

More Uffizi Gallery visiting tips

What types of artwork collections does the Uffizi Gallery hold?

The Uffizi boasts an extensive collection of Renaissance art. The core of Uffizi’s collection comprises paintings featuring works by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. It also houses a significant collection of sculptures ranging from ancient Roman copies of Greek sculptures to Renaissance works by Benvenuto Cellini and Giambologna. It also houses one of the most important collections of drawings and prints as well as a collection of decorative arts, & ancient artifacts.

Who are some of the most famous artists associated with the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi Gallery is renowned for its collection of works by some of the most famous artists of the Italian Renaissance and beyond. Notable artists associated with the Uffizi Gallery include:
- Leonardo da Vinci: Known for his mastery across various disciplines, the Uffizi houses several of his works, including the Annunciation.
- Michelangelo Buonarroti: Although more famous for his sculptures, Michelangelo's painting Doni Tondo is a highlight here.
- Sandro Botticelli: The Uffizi is home to two of Botticelli's most celebrated paintings, The Birth of Venus and Primavera.
- Raphael Sanzio: Renowned for his Madonnas, Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch is among the treasures of the Uffizi.
- Titian (Tiziano Vecellio): This Venetian master's works, including the Venus of Urbino, are key pieces in the gallery's collection.
- Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi): Known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, Caravaggio's Medusa is a must-see.

How many paintings are in the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi Gallery houses more than 6,000 paintings. Apart from this, The Uffizi boasts of a collection of over 10,000 works, including sculptures, prints, and drawings, spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern period, with a particular focus on the Italian Renaissance. It's important to note that only about 2,200 artworks are on display at a given time; the gallery rotates its exhibitions to both preserve the artworks and highlight different aspects of its collection.

Do I need to buy separate tickets to view the collection at Uffizi?

No, your Uffizi Gallery tickets allow you to explore the entire collection on display at the Uffizi. You can purchase a standard entry ticket to view the collection at Uffizi Art Gallery.

What are some of Uffizi Gallery's famous paintings?

Uffizi Gallery's famous works include Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Leonardo's Annunciation and Doni Tondo, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael, and Caravaggio’s Medusa.

How often is the collection updated?

The Uffizi Gallery's collection is not frequently "updated" in the sense of acquiring new artworks, as its core collection is historic and consists largely of works that have been part of the museum's holdings for centuries, primarily from the Renaissance period. However, the museum does engage in several practices that refresh and enhance the visitor experience and scholarly research.
For example, the Uffizi regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes, artists, or periods, often incorporating works from its storerooms not typically on public display or borrowing pieces from other institutions.
Additionally, due to the sensitive nature of many artworks, especially drawings, and prints that are susceptible to light damage, the Uffizi rotates these items regularly, offering visitors a chance to see different pieces from the collection at different times. And, while rare, the Uffizi does occasionally acquire new pieces through donations, bequests, or selective purchases, often to fill specific gaps in the collection or to complement existing works.

Can visitors view the entire collection?

Visitors to the Uffizi Gallery cannot view the entire collection at once due to the vast number of works it encompasses and the practical limitations of display space and conservation requirements. The gallery displays a selection of its most significant and representative pieces to the public, which still amounts to hundreds of artworks across its many rooms.
To manage the preservation of sensitive pieces, such as drawings and prints, which can be damaged by light and environmental exposure, the gallery rotates these works, displaying them for short periods or in special exhibitions. Furthermore, the Uffizi often hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase specific themes, artists, or periods, drawing both from its permanent collection and loans from other institutions, offering visitors a chance to see works that are not always on display.
For those interested in parts of the collection that are not currently viewable in the public galleries, the Uffizi has been working on digital initiatives, providing virtual access to more of its holdings through online galleries and databases, allowing a broader exploration of its treasures beyond the physical visit.

What are the most iconic features or rooms inside?

The Botticelli Room, housing The Birth of Venus and Primavera, and the Michelangelo Room are among the most iconic.

Are there any hidden gems inside the Uffizi Gallery that visitors shouldn’t miss?

While the main halls of the Uffizi are packed with masterpieces, there are indeed some hidden gems and lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered by curious visitors. Discover these hidden gems during your visit: While the main halls of the Uffizi are packed with masterpieces, there are indeed some hidden gems and lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered by curious visitors. Discover these hidden gems during your visit:
Early Italian Art Rooms: Located on the ground floor, these rooms often get overlooked by visitors focused on Renaissance giants. Here, the precursors to the Renaissance, such as Giotto, Cimabue, and Duccio di Buoninsegna, are displayed, providing insight into the art movement's genesis.
Corridor of Maps: This fascinating corridor, forming part of the passage to the Pitti Palace, showcases an extensive array of 16th-century maps and nautical charts. It offers a unique glimpse into the era's worldview and the art of cartography, a delightful detour from the more conventional artworks.
Tribunal Room: This octagonal room, once reserved for the Medici family's private collection, houses some of the gallery's crown jewels. Look out for Botticelli's Venus and Mars, Titian's Venus of Urbino, and Raphael's Madonna Granduca," each a masterpiece deserving close attention.
14th-Century Rooms: Tucked away on the second floor, these rooms delve deeper into the Gothic and early Renaissance periods. Be captivated by Masaccio's realistic frescoes and Taddeo Gaddi's expressive portraits, offering a contrast to the high Renaissance works elsewhere.
Self-Portraits Corridor: Within the Vasari Corridor, lies an extraordinary collection of over 1,000 self-portraits by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Delacroix.

Are there any exhibitions and events that take place inside the Uffizi Gallery?

Yes, the Uffizi Gallery hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year. These can include temporary exhibitions showcasing specific artists or themes, cultural events, and educational programs. The gallery often curates diverse exhibitions that provide visitors with unique perspectives on art and history.

Are there any interactive or immersive experiences inside?

Some rooms inside Uffizi Gallery offer multimedia displays and interactive experiences, particularly in areas dedicated to specific themes or artists.

How does the Uffizi Gallery showcase the breadth of Renaissance art?

Within its storied walls, the Uffizi Gallery exemplifies the evolution of art from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque, presenting a diverse spectrum of artistic expressions. Visitors can explore thematic rooms dedicated to specific schools of art, artists, or periods, featuring an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that narrate the story of human creativity and innovation.

I've heard the gallery's interior is a work of art as well. Can you describe its interior layout?

The Uffizi Gallery interior is quite beautiful! The gallery is spread over several floors, showcasing art works chronologically. It features long corridors lined with artworks, leading to individual rooms dedicated to specific artists or themes.

More Reads

Joyful visitor exploring the grand courtyard of Uffizi Gallery, surrounded by classical architecture and columns, embodying the essence of Florence

Location

Bustling corridor of Uffizi Gallery with visitors and local artists, showcasing the vibrant cultural scene, perfect for 'skip the line' ticket holders

Skip the Line

Silhouettes of tourists standing in the majestic entrance of the Uffizi Gallery, with sculptures adorning the arcade, inviting exploration

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