Uffizi Unveils Newly Designed Leonardo da Vinci Room Amid Controversy
The Sala di Leonardo (Room 35) at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence has been unveiled with a new design featuring a soft gray palette that echoes the aesthetics of 15th-century Tuscan churches. This room showcases three significant works: the Baptism of Christ (circa 1475) by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci, alongside the Annunciation and the Adoration of the Magi. The latter underwent restoration by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, supported by the Amici degli Uffizi. Director Eike Schmidt highlighted the room's layout to encourage contemplative viewing. Beginning October 30, the Uffizi will present the "Il Codice Leicester di Leonardo da Vinci" exhibition, which will last until January 20, 2019, celebrating the Codex Leicester's return to Florence after more than three decades.
Key facts
- Uffizi opened new Sala di Leonardo with pale gray walls applied by spatula.
- Room houses Baptism of Christ, Annunciation, and Adoration of the Magi.
- Baptism of Christ is by Verrocchio and Leonardo; Vasari says Verrocchio quit painting after seeing Leonardo's work.
- Adoration of the Magi recently restored by Opificio delle Pietre Dure, funded by Amici degli Uffizi.
- Custom display cases ensure microclimate, security, and reduce light refraction.
- Director Eike Schmidt aims for slow, meditative viewing to show Leonardo's stylistic evolution.
- Next renovation will target 16th-century Venetian collection.
- Exhibition 'Il Codice Leicester' runs Oct 30, 2018 – Jan 20, 2019 at Uffizi.
- Codex Leicester returns to Florence after 30+ years; pages fully visible via new tech.
- Exhibition organized by Uffizi and Museo Galileo, supported by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.
- Palazzo Strozzi hosts 'Verrocchio. Il maestro di Leonardo' from March 8, 2019.
Entities
Artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Andrea del Verrocchio
- Eike Schmidt
- Paolo Galluzzi
- Valentina Silvestrini
Institutions
- Gallerie degli Uffizi
- Opificio delle Pietre Dure
- Amici degli Uffizi
- Museo Galileo
- Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Aula Magliabechiana
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Vinci
- Amboise
- Venice