Opening Hours of the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the most visited museums in Italy and a prominent art museum housing masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance. 

It holds a collection of paintings considered among the most important in the world, including works by masters like Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. 

To plan your visit effectively, understanding the gallery’s opening hours and closing days is essential.

The Uffizi Gallery attracts over 3 million visitors annually, so booking in advance is a smart move. The Skip-the-Line ticket is the most popular and budget-friendly option. The Guided Tour ticket includes expert insights, while the Small Group Tour offers a more personal experience with fewer people.

Standard opening hours

The Uffizi Gallery welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, opening its doors at 8.15 am. It remains open throughout the day, with a closing time of 6.30 pm. 

The last admission is at 5.30 pm, and guests are asked to begin making their way toward the exit by closing time. 

These hours are consistent on most days during the regular season, offering ample time for exploring the museum’s world-famous collection of Renaissance art.

Closing days at the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is closed every Monday, making Tuesday a particularly busy day. 

Additionally, the museum does not open on a few key public holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day) and December 25 (Christmas Day). 

If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the museum may occasionally open on that specific date, but this is not guaranteed, so it’s always a good idea to check before planning your visit.

Free entry days at the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month. On these free Sundays, the museum follows normal opening hours. 

However, it’s important to note that pre-booked tickets are generally not sold for these dates. Expect larger crowds on free admission days.

In addition to the first Sunday of the month, the Uffizi Gallery also offers free entry on 25 April and 2 June (with full access). Free entry is also available on 4 November, though this may provide access to only the second-floor masterpieces.

Best time to visit to avoid crowds

Given its popularity, the Uffizi Gallery can get crowded, especially between 10 am and noon and on weekends. 

To avoid the rush, aim for the 8.30 am slot or arrive before 10 am for a quieter experience. Wednesdays and Thursdays are usually less busy than Tuesdays, which tend to draw crowds after the Monday closure.

For a peaceful visit, consider going after 4 pm, when tour groups have left. Remember that with 6.30 pm as closing time, you’ll have limited time to explore. 

Tuesday evenings are ideal for extended visits thanks to late hours. If you plan to spend 3–4 hours, arriving at opening time (8.15 am) is your best bet. For a quick highlights tour, a post 4 pm visit would work well.