The Uffizi Gallery is not just one of the most important museums in Florence. And it’s not just one of the most important museums in Italy. Thanks to the important works it houses, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important art museums in the entire world.
Originally constructed in the 16th century on the orders of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Uffizi was never intended to be a museum. In fact, as those of you who speak Italian will garner from the museum’s name, it was intended to be offices for the administration and jurisdiction of Florence.
But the Medici did house some of their great art collection in the Uffizi and it was being opened as a gallery to visitors on request as early as the 16th century. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that it was opened to the public, and it officially became a museum in 1865. This makes the Uffizi one of the first modern museums.
Works from all centuries are displayed in the Uffizi. But the works left to the Tuscan state by the last of the Medici still make up a large part of the collection and so the majority date from the 12th century to the 17th century.
Many of the works of art displayed in the Uffizi are priceless. Among the artists whose work is exhibited here you’ll find Cimabue, Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Titian, Caravaggio and Rembrandt, just to name a few. The chance to see famous works by such influential artists really will be an unforgettable and inspiring moment for your students, and certainly one not to miss while on your school trip to Florence.
The museum is linked directly to the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace via the Vasari Corridor, which you can visit today. The corridor, which is over 1km long, was designed to allow the Medici to move freely between their private residence and the seat of government without having to mix with the commoners on the streets below.
A visit to the Vasari Corridor is not to be missed, not only for the insight into the politics and society of Renaissance Florence, but also because it features some fantastic 17th and 18th century paintings, including a wonderful collection of self-portraits of famous artists.
Whether you want your group to be inspired by the art, learn more about Italian culture, or simply enjoy the experience of visiting one of the most important art museums in the world, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery is always worthwhile on a school trip to Florence.
Interested in a school trip to Florence for your students? Contact us today for further information or to request your tailor-made quote.