Opened in 1769, the Uffizi gallery is the first-ever modern art Museum in Europe. It is the home to the world-famous artworks by Michaelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Cosimo, Rubens, Titian and many more. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, The Uffizi Gallery has the entire collection of artworks by the Medici Family. Home to Renaissance art Uffizi Gallery holds the collection of artworks of the Italian Renaissance period, especially from the 12th to the 17th century. First Modern Museum in Europe As we have mentioned above, the Uffizi Gallery is Europe’s first modern art museum. The last heiress of the Medici family, Anna Maria Luisa De’ Medici donates all the treasures to Tuscany. She wanted the collections of art by the Medici family should remain in the state of Tuscany, especially in Florence. Millions of Visitors come to Gallery With around 2 million visitors every year, Uffizi Gallery is one of the famous tourist places in the world. During peak season from April to October the ticket lines are very long and you might be waiting for four to five hours for tickets. So it is recommended to buy online tickets in advance for the fast entry access. Also Read: The Colosseum Iconic Symbol of Rome More than 45 halls of artworks Designed in U- shape, Uffizi Gallery has more than 45 halls of artworks. So, If you have a shortage of time, you should check the location of your favorite arts online or on the map before you start to explore. Uffizi Gallery has the world’s longest corridor Uffizi Gallery has the longest corridor of one kilometer which connects the gallery to the Pitti Palace. The corridor named Vasari Corridor on the name of its designer Giorgio Vasari. There is a separate museum across the corridor which is available on a guided tour. Floods have destroyed the Gallery As the Uffizi Gallery is located near the Arno River, the Gallery was affected by the floods many times. In the hazardous flood of 1966, most of the art collections were destroyed. There were many people who came ahead to save and donate the arts, who are now known as the “mud angels” for successfully preserving the art. Monalisa was once preserved in the Uffizi Gallery In 1911, Monalisa was stolen by a thief Vincenzo Peruggia from the Louvre Museum. He wanted to sell the painting but got arrested later after two years. It was placed in the Uffizi Gallery before returning to the Louvre Museum. These are some of the interesting facts about the Uffizi Gallery that every people should know before their visit.
