The Uffizi Diffusi Project: Bringing Art to the Heart of Tuscany
The Uffizi Gallery, one of Italy’s most famous galleries, has taken a radical approach to showcasing its precious artworks by touring them across Tuscany. The Uffizi Diffusi project aims to bring art closer to audiences by displaying pieces in towns associated with the artworks, thus highlighting their context and significance.
Situated next to the historic Piazza della Signoria in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery showcases masterpieces by luminaries such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, da Vinci, Correggio, Raffaello, and Caravaggio. This institution is celebrated as one of the world’s premier art destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Uffizi’s new initiative, Uffizi Diffusi (meaning “scattered Uffizi”), will allow artworks to visit up to 100 different sites throughout the Tuscany region. This initiative not only provides a chance to display art pieces that are currently in storage but also strengthens the local connections to these significant works, fostering a deeper appreciation for Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage.
During an earlier press conference, Eike Schmidt, director of the Uffizi Gallery, emphasized how this project will showcase artworks within their local context. Consequently, it encourages tourists to explore more of Tuscany, alleviating the pressure on Florence, which has faced challenges with overtourism in recent years.
The inaugural tour destination is Elba, the Tuscan island where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled between May 1814 and February 1815. Here, the exhibition Nel Segno di Napoleone (In the name of Napoleon) is being hosted at the Pinacoteca Foresiana gallery in Portofferaio. This exhibition, opening just before the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, runs from July 9 until October 10, 2021, displaying artworks connected to the military leader in various mediums such as canvas, marble, and porcelain.
As Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany region, stated, “Thanks to this initiative, we will be able to enjoy the treasures of the Uffizi that would otherwise have remained unknown to us while also learning more about a key figure in modern European history, Napoleon Bonaparte, who had a profound connection to Tuscany.”
While details about additional destinations within the Uffizi Diffusi project are forthcoming, the Uffizi Gallery continues to welcome guests to its Florence base, adhering to COVID-19 regulations to ensure a safe experience for all.
This article was first published on March 3 and updated on July 14, 2021.
