Vasari Corridor Closed Indefinitely

After an inspection by the Florence’s fire department, the Vasari Corridor, which links the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, has been closed until future notice.  The passageway, part of which is located above Ponte Vecchio, contains the world’s most extensive collection of self-portraits by famous artists from the Renaissance to the 20th century.  The inspection revealed that the site does not have air conditioning and security exits, which were the reasons behind the closure.

Uffizi director Eike Schmidt plans to move the portraits to another venue permanently in order so that the Vasari Corridor can be used once again to connect two of Florence’s major museums.  Up to now, expensive access was granted only to small groups of visitors via tour operators and travel agencies.  To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site.