Visiting the Uffizi Gallery: Everything you need to know

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery is an essential part of any trip to Florence. The famous art gallery is home to some of the world’s most iconic art pieces from the Italian Renaissance and beyond.

Whether you visit with family and friends, or as part of a romantic getaway in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is an essential stop. Find out which pieces you shouldn’t miss, the best time to visit to avoid the queues, and the story behind its name so you can make the most out of your visit to the Uffizi Gallery.

Know before you go to the Uffizi Gallery

1. When is the best time to visit the Uffizi Gallery?

The best time to visit the Uffizi Gallery is usually early in the morning between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, as the gallery can get very crowded as the day goes on. It’s also worth planning your visit outside of peak season, which is summer, from June to August.

2. What are the opening hours for the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi Gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM, and 8:15 AM to 9:30 PM on Tuesdays. The gallery is closed on Mondays. Always check the official website to be sure it's open on the day you want to visit.

3. How much time should I spend at the Uffizi Gallery?

You should spend at least 3-4 hours in the Uffizi Gallery if you want to see everything you came to visit. If you don’t have that much time and want to see just the most well-known, priceless masterpieces, 2 hours should be enough.

4. How do I get to the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi gallery is in the Piazza degli Uffizi, just off the famous Piazza della Signora. The closest station is Florence Santa Maria Novella, the main train terminal in the city. From this station, you can walk to the gallery in about 20 minutes or take a taxi or a bus.

5. Should I book Uffizi Gallery tickets in advance?

It’s a good idea to book your tickets to the Uffizi Gallery in advance so that you can spend less time waiting in line. When you book a ticket, you can enter the gallery at a specific time, saving you a lot of hassle.

6. Is a tour of the Uffizi Gallery worthwhile?

Many of the most recognizable artworks in the Uffizi, such as Botticelli’s Venus, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and other works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Michelangelo, have incredible stories behind their creation. Booking a guided tour will allow you to learn all about the history of these iconic artists and their most famous works.

7. Is the Uffizi Gallery wheelchair accessible?

The Uffizi Gallery is mostly wheelchair accessible, but there are some restrictions. Wheelchair users will need to enter the gallery from the entrance on via della Ninna. There is a small 3-4cm (1-1.5 inches) step, where wheelchair users might require some assistance. The different floors of the Uffizi Gallery can be accessed by elevator. However, these elevators are small and may not fit all wheelchairs. The gallery has wheelchairs that are appropriately sized for free, which can be requested at entrance number 1. You can find more accessibility information on the Uffizi Gallery’s official website.

8. Can I visit the Uffizi Gallery for free?

The Uffizi Gallery is free to visit on the first Sunday of every month but be warned, you will likely have to wait quite a bit longer than you would if you were to buy a paid ticket on a different day. Free admission is also available for visitors under the age of 18 (with proof), students, tour guides, and people with disabilities. Check out the complete list of those who have access to free admission here.

Highlights at the Uffizi Gallery

9. What is the most famous artwork in the Uffizi Gallery?

The Uffizi Gallery houses the best collection of Italian Renaissance artworks in the world. Some of the most famous paintings include the “Birth of Venus” and “Primavera” by Sandro Botticelli. Madonna of the Goldfinch by the Master of the Renaissance, Raphael, is another highlight. You also shouldn’t miss Da Vinci's "Annunciation," Caravaggio's "Medusa," and Piero della Francesca's portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Urbino.

10. What else shouldn’t be missed in the Uffizi Gallery?

The Michelangelo room is also worth visiting. Also called the Red Room, its highlight is the restored masterpiece “Doni Tondo”. It’s the only panel painting by Michelangelo that has survived in its original frame.

History and facts about the Uffizi Gallery

11. Has the Mona Lisa ever been displayed in the Uffizi Gallery?

In 1912, the Mona Lisa was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian Louvre employee who believed the painting should be displayed in Italy. Peruggia kept the painting in his apartment for two years until he became impatient and attempted to sell it to the owner of the Uffizi Gallery, Giovanni Poggi. It was displayed in the Uffizi Gallery for just over two weeks and then returned to the Louvre. Peruggia was jailed for six months for the crime.

12. Where did the Uffizi Gallery’s name come from?

The Uffizi Gallery's name means "Offices", as it was previously the administrative office for the city of Florence under the powerful Medici family that ruled over Florence for over three centuries. A private gallery for friends and family was initially installed on the top floor of the west wing in 1581. The Medici’s collection grew over time, until the last of the dynasty, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, left the gallery to the Tuscan state upon her death in 1743. It became a public museum in 1769. Today it’s world-renowned for its unparalleled collection, particularly Italian Renaissance art.

13. What is the oldest painting in the Uffizi Gallery?

The oldest painting in the Uffizi Gallery is the 432 Cross, made by an anonymous artist. The artwork is a tempera on panel and dates back to the year 1200.