The removal of a 197-foot crane that had dominated the skyline of Florence for almost 20 years marks a significant moment for the city. Known for its Renaissance beauty, the removal symbolizes not just an end to an eyesore but also a step forward in the ongoing redevelopment of the Uffizi Galleries.
Dismantling the Eyesore: The Uffizi Crane Finally Removed
Dismantling the Eyesore: The Uffizi Crane Finally Removed
After nearly two decades, the controversial crane overshadowing Florence's Uffizi Galleries has been dismantled, much to the relief of locals.
In a historic development for the city of Florence, the crane that has marred the skyline near the esteemed Uffizi Galleries has finally been taken down. For nearly 20 years, the 197-foot crane became a symbol of frustration for locals, obstructing views of the city’s iconic Renaissance architecture, including Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's bell tower.
Carlo Francini, who oversees the municipal museums in Florence, expressed joy over the crane's removal, calling it “an important day for the city.” Local sentiment echoed this woe to joy sentiment; one newspaper extolled the event with the headline, “Goodbye to the crane: the giant beached in front of the Uffizi.”
Architect Giacomo Tempesta, who was on-site as workers began taking the crane apart, remarked, “We’re all happy… it was a cumbersome presence,” highlighting the struggles locals faced in capturing the beauty of Florence without the unsightly structure in their photographs.
The crane was erected in 2006 as part of a project to expand the Uffizi's exhibition spaces and improve navigation for visitors. Despite various efforts to enhance the museum’s infrastructure, the crane remained a stubborn fixture until this week’s successful dismantling, marking progress in a project that still has work yet to be done. With the crane's removal, both residents and visitors can now enjoy an unobstructed view of one of the world's most celebrated art museums.
