Headphones Mandatory at Uffizi Gallery

There will be no need to “hush” in the Uffizi Gallery. Starting December 1, all guided groups of 8 or more people who want to visit the museum will have to use headphones with a radio and microphone. This will allow visitors to follow the guide’s explanation without disturbing other guests.

Director Eike Schmidt originally planned to put this into action on September 1 since it already applies to other tourist attractions in Florence such as Santa Croce. Due to the 14.6 % increase of visitors in the Uffizi, this change was needed to accommodate the greater number of guests.

This will also stop false tour operators who sell tickets at an escalated price in order for groups to skip the line. Since organized tour groups will be asked to present this equipment, Schmidt believes this will help stop scalpers.

To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site. (deanna carbone)