Uffizi Crane to Be Removed Starting June 16

After nearly two decades, one of the most debated fixtures of Florence’s cityscape is about to disappear: the large crane that has dominated the square in front of the Uffizi Gallery will be dismantled in a six-day operation starting June 16 and concluding June 21.

The crane, installed as part of a long-term expansion project for the Uffizi Gallery, has been widely criticized for marring the historic skyline and the visual harmony of the city’s Renaissance heart. Now, thanks to renewed efforts by the Uffizi’s leadership and support from both public and private actors, its removal marks a symbolic and practical turning point.

On June 21, the final day of dismantling, a celebratory event will take place on the museum’s terrace above the Loggia dei Lanzi. The event will include the Italian Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, who strongly backed the initiative, and will symbolically mark the return of an unobstructed view of Florence’s historic center.

A lighter and less intrusive construction setup will follow, making use of a non-invasive freight elevator system to continue the remaining work on the Nuovi Uffizi project. This more discreet solution was made possible by a private fundraising effort, totaling around €180,000, involving local entrepreneurs and institutions such as Stefano Ricci, Leonardo Bassilichi, Giorgio Moretti, Stefano Gabbrielli, Elisabetta Fabri, Marco Carrai, Confindustria, Enic, and Fondazione CR Firenze.

Uffizi Director Simone Verde described the moment as long-awaited and transformative: “With the crane gone, the face of Florence returns to its intact and dazzling beauty. This operation shows that good governance can prevail and that the Uffizi can be both a global cultural model and a symbol of Italy itself.”

Florence Mayor Sara Funaro called the removal “a historic event,” emphasizing its symbolic importance for the city. “We will finally have the Uffizi and the skyline of Florence free from that crane, and that is an extremely meaningful result,” she said.

The removal of the crane not only improves the urban landscape but also signals a renewed focus on balancing heritage preservation with necessary infrastructural upgrades — a challenge Florence continues to face as one of the world’s most visited cultural destinations.