The Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy has announced a two-year, €50 million transformation, described as one of its most ambitious projects to date.
Announced by Uffizi Galleries director Simone Verde, the project covers the Uffizi complex, including the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens.
It includes new exhibition spaces, upgraded guest facilities, improved infrastructure, and enhancements to the institution's climate control and accessibility.
“An operation of unprecedented scale and depth is underway thanks to the extraordinary commitment of the entire staff,” Verde said this week at a press conference, the Florentine reports.
“The Uffizi will emerge even more beautiful and increasingly capable of representing one of Italy’s fundamental cultural icons.”
At the Uffizi Gallery, the project includes the development of an introductory area dedicated to the history of the museum's collections, as well as a new reception and security screening zone.
Some galleries are being reinstalled and enhanced with new lighting, and accessibility is being improved with better wayfinding and signage.
The Uffizi Gallery is also investing in infrastructure updates, including new air treatment and climate-control systems, as well as a planned €12 million restoration of the façades and roofs.
Two-year Uffizi project underway
At Palazzo Pitti, refurbishment work will be carried out, and the top floor will be converted into a new exhibition space. The palace's new entrance opened in July.
Projects at the Boboli Gardens include the restoration of the amphitheatre, as well as work on the site's sculptures, pathways and greenhouses.
In March, an eight-year initiative to refresh the Uffizi Gallery's historic entrance was completed.
Images courtesy of the Uffizi
