The Uffizi Gallery, in Florence, Italy is internationally
known for its glorious works of art. In this beautiful edifice,
a world of artistic treasures awaits over 1.5 million visitors
each year. The dignity and preservation of these works is due
in no small part to the determination of the Italian non-profit
association, Amici degli Uffizi.
Established in Florence
in 1993 by a group of concerned citizens, following a terrorist
bombing that damaged the Gallery and some of its precious artworks,
Amici degli Uffizi embarked on the loving task of restoring
and maintaining the artistic heritage of the Uffizi Gallery,
timeless symbols of our culture.
In 2006, the Friends of the
Uffizi Gallery, Inc. was established in Palm Beach, Florida
as the United States “sister” organization to the Amici degli
Uffizi. Granted IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status, its sole purpose
is to support the activities of the Amici by helping to fund
ongoing restoration projects and bring these projects to fruition.
Since 1993, the Amici degli Uffizi has supported the Uffizi
Gallery in Florence by facilitating acquisitions, supporting
restorations and organizing special temporary exhibitions.
The Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, in conjunction with the
Amici degli Uffizi, raises funds to support all of these activities
through an international group of members and patrons. Over
twenty important restoration projects, designated priorities
by the Uffizi Gallery, have been completed over the last several
years and include important paintings, altarpieces, sculptures
and tapestries.
The Uffizi Gallery, originally created by the
famous Medici family from their extensive private collections,
is considered the world’s first public museum with over 1.5
million visitors per year. For art lovers around the world,
the Uffizi is famous for a collection that includes Botticelli's "Primavera" and "Birth
of Venus," as well as Titian's "Venus of Urbino."
The
Friends of the Uffizi Gallery in the United States and the
Amici degli Uffizi in Florence work together to actively contribute
to the safeguarding and growth of the Uffizi Gallery. Working
closely with the museum staff, both groups play a vital role
in preserving and restoring one of the world’s most important
museums and the cultural heritage of the Renaissance.
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