Long-Awaited Uffizi Crane Removal

After 19 years, Florence’s beautiful skyline will no longer be obstructed by the crane outside the Uffizi Gallery. Deconstruction of the crane began on June 16 and will conclude on June 21.

The crane, which is over 196 feet tall, has been a fixture at the gallery since 2006. It was initially set up to carry out the “Grandi Uffizi” project,  an ongoing attempt to modernize the famous gallery that included a new exit designed by Arata Isozaki. Despite the ambition, the project received multiple setbacks and was consistently met with local criticism. The gallery is now highlighting the speed at which the crane is being dismantled, taking only six days to remove the almost 20-year-old piece of industrial archeology.  Click here to see a video.

The gallery’s director, Simon Verde, shared relief for the crane’s deconstruction, “Finally, the metal monster is gone, the beauty of Florence’s face returns intact after 20  years; the Uffizi confirms itself as a model of global efficiency and an icon of Italy in the world.”

To continue working on the renovation project and replace the crane, the Uffizi will be hosting a new worksite. This worksite will instead implement a lift to transport materials. The cessation of the crane’s 19-year-long presence in Florence will be commemorated by a party on the gallery’s terrace. (Mia Schaeperkoetter)