The Contini Bonacossi Collection Unveiled at the Uffizi

The Contini Bonacossi Collection at the Uffizi Gallery became available to the public for the first time in 49 years. The history behind this collection is as complex as it is beautiful and tells a unique story of its own. Immediately after World War II, Alessandro Contini Bonacossi donated his private art collection to the Italian State and in 1969, the collection became property of the Florentine Galleries.  For nearly 49 years, the collection was only available for viewing by appointment or on special occasions. It was an imperative task to open such an important part of the Florentine state collections to the public, says Eike Schmidt, director of the Uffizi.

The collection, containing 144 pieces, is divided into eight thematic sections, which include, gold, Andrea del Castagno, Bellini, Bramantino, furniture, sculptures, ceramics, and Bernini. Special to the collection is the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who carved it at only 15 years of age, which is often recognized as one of the masterpieces of the Baroque era. Other masterpieces include, the altarpiece of the Madonna by Sassetta, Saint Jerome in the Desert by Giovanni Bellini, and Santa Monaca and Two Children in Prayer by Paolo Uccello.

Visitors can access the collection with a normal entrance ticket to the Uffizi for €20 (from November to February low season admission is €12).