Florence is on the verge of a historic moment: the reopening of the Vasari Corridor, the famed elevated passageway connecting the Uffizi Gallery to Palazzo Pitti. After eight years of anticipation, delays, and challenges—including fire safety issues, funding shortfalls, and the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic—the corridor is ready to once again captivate visitors from around the world.
The inauguration has been set: December 20
An official date for the inauguration has been set: December 20. On this day, the final restoration work will be unveiled, along with the new artistic layout of the corridor. This project, spearheaded by Simone Verde, the recently appointed director of the Uffizi Galleries, marks a departure from previous plans and promises to offer a fresh perspective on the corridor’s historical and artistic significance.
The Vasari Corridor, commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici and designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1565, was constructed in just six months to celebrate the wedding of Francesco I de’ Medici and Joanna of Austria. Spanning nearly a kilometer, the corridor was a symbol of Medici power, allowing the ruling family to move freely and privately between their residence and the seat of government. Known in the 18th century as the “Corridore,” it has since become a cherished landmark of Florentine heritage. The occasion will also mark the first official visit to Florence by Alessandro Giuli, Italy’s newly appointed Minister of Culture. His presence underscores the significance of the corridor’s reopening, which is likely to draw global attention.
Vasari Corridor reopens to the public on December 21
After the grand unveiling on December 20, the Vasari Corridor will officially reopen to the public on December 21. The reopening represents a pivotal moment not only for Florence but also for the Uffizi Galleries. Under Verde’s leadership, the focus has shifted from the controversial plans of his predecessor, Eike Schmidt, who removed the corridor’s celebrated collection of self-portraits in 2015–2016. Schmidt’s tenure was marked by disputes with local officials, including a high-profile clash with former mayor Dario Nardella, and his artistic vision for the corridor was never realized. Verde, however, has charted a new course, with his plans for the corridor yet to be fully revealed.
As Florence prepares for this landmark event, the city also awaits other key developments, including the potential opening of the Fortezza-San Marco tramline before Christmas. While hopes for the tramline’s debut by December 23 are fading, the reopening of the Vasari Corridor is poised to be a defining cultural moment for the city, cementing its place as a beacon of art and history.
On December 21, Florence will celebrate the highly anticipated reopening of the Vasari Corridor, marking the fulfillment of Simone Verde’s first major commitment as the new director of the Uffizi Galleries. But Verde is not stopping there. Speaking at a recent press conference, he set his sights on a second ambitious goal: removing the long-standing construction crane from the piazzale of the Uffizi.
How to explore the Vasari Corridor
Access to the Vasari Corridor is available with a special combined ticket for the Uffizi Gallery, priced at €43. Reservations are mandatory and can be made starting Tuesday, December 10. With the Uffizi-Vasari ticket, visitors can enter the Uffizi Gallery two hours before their scheduled Vasari Corridor visit to explore the museum.
The Vasari Corridor is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with entry limited to one group at a time. Each group, consisting of a maximum of 25 visitors plus two staff escorts, enters from the area in front of the Venetian Chapel (Venetian painting rooms) on the first floor of the gallery. The first group of the day visits at 10:15 AM, and the last group at 4:35 PM.
Uffizi Director Simone Verde Delivers on Promises
“When I make promises, it’s because I intend to keep them,” Verde emphasized. “I hope and believe that by next year, this cursed crane will be gone.” Installed years ago, the crane has been a persistent eyesore in the heart of Florence, and its removal symbolizes Verde’s broader mission to restore the city’s artistic and architectural harmony.
A Revitalized Vision for the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti
Beyond the Vasari Corridor, Verde detailed several ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and preserving Florence’s cultural treasures. At Palazzo Pitti, plans are underway to restore the historic facades, with executive designs already in progress. Verde announced a comprehensive €10 million master plan for the Boboli Gardens, which will be unveiled next week. Additionally, the opulent White Room at Palazzo Pitti is set for a complete refurbishment, and the Royal Apartments, newly restored, will reopen to the public in January.
At the Uffizi, Verde highlighted several key initiatives:
• The Medici Treasury at Palazzo Pitti is undergoing a significant reorganization to give it the prominence it deserves.
• A new introductory section on the history of the Uffizi collections is being developed to enhance visitors’ understanding of the museum’s rich legacy.
• A new monumental entrance for the Uffizi is in the works, aimed at streamlining access and elevating the visitor experience.
• The Ricetto delle Iscrizioni and the Stanzino delle Matematiche are also being reimagined as part of a broader effort to modernize and highlight overlooked spaces.
Cutting-Edge Display Solutions
Verde also announced the arrival of state-of-the-art display cases for the Uffizi. Designed to ensure optimal conservation conditions while maintaining a sleek aesthetic, these brass-framed cases are both functional and visually aligned with the gallery’s historic style. “These new display cases combine high-level conservation technology with aesthetic transparency, reflecting the timeless elegance of the Uffizi,” he explained.
With an ambitious agenda that balances restoration, innovation, and cultural stewardship, Simone Verde is carving a new path for Florence’s iconic museums. From reopening the Vasari Corridor to removing the crane and revitalizing Palazzo Pitti, his vision underscores a commitment to both the past and the future of this world-renowned heritage site.
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I can’t wait to visit the Vasari Corridor in Florence when it reopens! Walking along this historic passage, surrounded by stunning art and breathtaking views, will be an unforgettable experience. Just imagining stepping into the world of the Medici family gives me chills. It’s definitely at the top of my travel list!