In a significant announcement for Florence’s cultural landscape, Simone Verde, the director of the Uffizi Gallery, revealed plans for the removal of the large crane that has occupied the museum’s forecourt since 2006. Set to be dismantled within 50 days, the crane will be replaced by an environmentally friendly freight elevator, a project funded through a collective sponsorship of approximately €180,000 contributed by local Florentine entrepreneurs.
Verde detailed the challenges surrounding this venture, emphasizing the teamwork involved in reorganizing the construction site’s logistics. “The crane has become an oversized tool compared to our current needs,” he stated in an interview. The removal marks the end of a prolonged disruption that has overshadowed the city’s skyline for nearly 20 years.
The initiative was warmly supported by local business figures, including Stefano Ricci, Leonardo Bassili, and Giorgio Moretti, alongside organizations such as Confindustria and Fondazione Cr Firenze. “This project has been long awaited,” Verde noted, indicating the collective dissatisfaction with the crane’s presence. “Public institutions like the Uffizi should exemplify not only national identity but also operational efficiency.”
The removal of the crane will be celebrated with a symbolic ceremony, reflecting the community’s anticipation. This day signifies not merely the end of construction difficulties but a rejuvenation of the museum’s image, as emphasized by Verde.
Since taking office in January 2024, Verde has overseen several important developments, including the reopening of the Vasariano Corridor—closed for eight years—and the completion of renovations for the royal apartments and the new Museum of Fashion and Costume at Palazzo Pitti. Additionally, significant funding has been allocated for the restoration and enhancement of the Boboli Gardens, amounting to about €15 million.
The Uffizi continues to be a symbol of Italy’s rich heritage, and the removal of the crane is a critical step in restoring its grandeur. Anticipated upcoming exhibitions and ongoing research efforts highlight the museum’s commitment to evolving while respecting its historical significance.
Photo credit: Property of the museum.
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