Uffizi opens 14 new galleries for 16th-17th century masters

In Florence, the Uffizi Galleries have unveiled 14 new exhibition spaces, expanding by 1,100 square meters and showcasing 105 artworks, a third of which were previously in storage. Director Eike Schmidt referred to this development as "a second, new museum." The exhibitions primarily highlight masterpieces from 16th and 17th-century Venetian and Florentine artists, including Titian's Venus of Urbino, Flora, and Sebastiano del Piombo's Fornarina, all protected by shatterproof glass. Notable pieces by Lorenzo Lotto, Tintoretto, and Veronese are also featured, along with the return of Barocci's Madonna del Popolo. The Counter-Reformation altarpieces are displayed in the Sala del Pilastro, while nearby "studioli" exhibit smaller paintings. The initiative was supported by the Friends of the Uffizi Galleries and a $15,000 contribution from Trish Savides. Schmidt hinted at potential future renovations, although his position remains uncertain following his announcement of a move to Vienna in 2017.