For nearly twenty years, Florence, Italy—renowned for its breathtaking Renaissance architecture—has been home to a towering 197-foot crane that shadowed the historic Uffizi Galleries. This week marks a pivotal moment as the eyesore was finally dismantled, bringing joy to residents and visitors alike.
The crane's removal was heralded by Carlo Francini, the official overseeing Florence's municipal museums, who described it as "an important day for the city.” Local media expressed the collective relief, with one newspaper characterizing the crane as a "giant beached in front of the Uffizi."
Architect Giacomo Tempesta, who visited the museum during the deconstruction, shared his relief, stating, "For years, it wasn’t possible to take a photograph that didn’t include the crane; it was a cumbersome presence. It was time that they took it down."
The crane had been erected in 2006 to facilitate the expansion of the Uffizi, famed for its exquisite art collection, located in a historic Medici office complex. Although considerable progress has been made in the expansion project, some areas remain underway.
Florentines can now once again capture unobstructed views of the architectural marvels that define their skyline, free from the industrial interruption of the crane—a relief long awaited by those who cherish their city’s artistic heritage.
