Heavy rain caused water to leak into the Uffizi Gallery in Florence on Thursday afternoon 17 September 2026, with splashes reaching the protective glass surrounding Caravaggio’s Bacchus.
The incident occurred after an intense thunderstorm brought more than 45 millimetres of rain to Florence in the space of an hour.
According to the Uffizi, water infiltrated beneath the skylight of a gallery containing seven 17th-century paintings, including Caravaggio’s Bacchus.
The water splashed onto the outside of the glass case protecting the painting, but did not reach the artwork itself.
Museum staff carried out checks following the incident and found no damage to Bacchus or any of the other works displayed in the room.
The affected gallery was temporarily closed and is due to reopen on Friday morning, September 18.
Caravaggio’s Bacchus, generally dated to the late 1590s, is one of the best-known works in the Uffizi collection. The painting depicts the Roman god of wine holding a glass, with fruit and a carafe of wine arranged on the table in front of him.
❤️ Support Florence Daily News
If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.
We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.
Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.
Donate securely via Stripe below.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.