The Uffizi Gallery, in Florence, Italy is internationally known for its glorious works of art and is one of the most significant museums in the history of art. In this beautiful edifice, a world of artistic treasures awaits over 2 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 0f 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. More than fifty 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 more than 2 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.
Our symbol, created by Sergio Bianco, represents the view of the Uffizi from the Arno arcade. The sky seen under the archway forms the shape of the horsehead in the typical posture of the chess piece.
In the same way as every move in the traditional board game is made with reasoning and self-sacrifice uniquely in favor of one’s “King,” every activity and strategy of the Associations of Amici degli Uffizi and Friends of the Uffizi Gallery are solely for the benefit of the Uffizi Gallery.
In a broader meaning, the image of the horse and hence of the knight-paladin, has always been associated with the idea of loyalty and the right cause.
This concept, strengthened by the horse interchanging with the sky, gives the symbol a supernatural protective power.
Visit our sister organization, Amici degli Uffizi
Visit the official website of the Uffizi Gallery
