Let’s talk about Florence, a city that’s famous for its incredible culture, mind-blowing architecture, jaw-dropping Renaissance art, and jaw-dropping monuments. It’s like a treasure trove of awesomeness! And if you’re lucky enough to explore this gem with your little ones, get ready to be amazed and filled with artistic vibes! Florence will sprinkle you with artistic inspiration, leaving you rejuvenated and bursting with creative ideas!

Now, let’s dive into the art scene because when you’re in Florence with kids, you absolutely can’t miss the Uffizi Gallery! This place is an art museum extraordinaire, boasting one of the most mind-blowing collections of Italian Renaissance art you’ll ever see. I know, the idea of taking your kids to a museum might sound a bit intimidating, but fear not! We’ve got your back and we’ll show you the best things to see at the Uffizi Gallery with kids so your little art enthusiasts can have an enriching experience!

The Marvellous Medici Rooms: History Comes Alive

Picture this: stepping into a world of wonder as you enter these historic chambers. Located on the first floor, they’re adorned with magnificent frescoes, antique furniture, ceramics, and paintings that will transport you back in time. Watch your kids’ eyes light up with curiosity as they marvel at the intricate designs on the walls and ceilings. 

You can take this opportunity to teach them about the Medici family, who played a crucial role in the Renaissance period. The Uffizi Gallery is the creation of the Medici family. They lived in the Pitti Palace and to get to the Uffizi, which means “offices” in Italian, they would only have to cross the Arno river by the Vecchio bridge. They even had a kilometre-long secret tunnel connecting the Palace to the Uffizi Gallery! Talk about a secret passageway fit for an adventure!

The Breathtaking Botticelli Room: Immerse in Mythology

Next up, head to the Botticelli Room, situated on the second floor of the Museum. This is where you’ll find the famous painting by Sandro Botticelli, “The Birth of Venus,” which depicts the Roman goddess of love and beauty emerging from the sea. This painting is considered one of the most significant works of the Renaissance period and a must-see for any art enthusiast. 

 But wait, there’s more! Your kids will love the bright colours and intricate details, and you can use this opportunity to teach them about mythology and symbolism. Make sure to look away from the art and at the ceilings! You will find a lot of mythological creatures, animals and funny figures. Turn it into a thrilling game as they search for these hidden gems. Prepare to ignite their curiosity about mythology and symbolism while fostering their artistic spirit.

The Legendary Leonardo Room: Unleash the Renaissance Genius

Now, let’s dive into the genius of Leonardo da Vinci in the Leonardo Room, right next door to the Botticelli Room. This room is home to one of the most famous paintings in the world, “The Annunciation”, which depicts the moment when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. 

As the tale unfolds before their eyes, your kids will be captivated by the story and the sheer beauty of Leonardo’s masterpiece. Use this moment to spark conversations about the differences between Renaissance and Medieval art. Who knows, you might be nurturing the next da Vinci in your family!

The Magical Michelangelo Room

The next room to visit is the Michelangelo Room, which is also on the second floor of the building. This room houses one of Michelangelo’s most famous works, “The Doni Tondo,” depicting the Holy Family. It is significant because it’s the only painting on the panel by Michelangelo that’s still in Florence. Watch as your kids’ eyes light up with wonder, soaking in the artistry and craftsmanship of this legendary artist. Use this golden opportunity to delve into captivating discussions about Michelangelo’s fascinating life and his other remarkable creations. Who knows, you might just ignite a lifelong passion for art within your little ones!

The Dazzling Caravaggio Room: Drama, Mythology, and Emotion

Next, get ready to be enthralled by the dramatic flair of Caravaggio in the Caravaggio Room, located on the first floor. This room houses several works by Caravaggio, who was one of the most important painters of the Baroque period. The “Medusa” painting and the painting of “Bacchus” is a must-see and this could also be a chance for the little ones to learn about these mythological characters. 

Your kids will be fascinated by the dramatic use of light and shadow and the intense expressions on the faces of the figures in the paintings. You can also use this opportunity to talk about the Baroque period and how artists focused on creating intense emotions in their art. Brace yourself for some wide-eyed wonder!

How to Book Tickets for the Uffizi Gallery

When booking your tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, there are a few options to consider. The regular tickets cost 20 euros with an additional fee of 4 euros to skip the line if you’re booking online. 

EU citizens aged 18-25 can enjoy a reduced ticket price of €2, while children under 18 have free admission. For a comprehensive experience, you can opt for a combined ticket (€38 from March-October, €18 from November-February) to visit the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens within three consecutive days. 

Make sure to check the official website before your trip, as there are certain days when the Uffizi Gallery offers free admission. However, there could be long lines on the free days, and not recommended for families.

To book tickets, you can visit the official Uffizi Gallery website or use reputable third-party platforms like Tiqets or GetYourGuide for online reservations.

We definitely recommend pre-buying your ticket as this is essential for skipping the long lines at the ticket window. However, if you book a kid-friendly tour or a fun scavenger hunt for the adventurous little ones, the tickets are usually included, and you won’t need to stress about finding them yourself. 

Other Tips for Visiting Uffizi Gallery with Kids

• The museum is closed on Mondays, and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly
• Children under the age of 18, of any nationality, are allowed to enter the Gallery free of cost, just make sure to reserve their ticket along with yours on the official website 
• If you want to make the experience extra special for the little ones, make sure to book a kid-friendly tour of the Uffizi Gallery. This way, they get to learn and have a blast during their time in Florence and you won’t have to stress about buying your tickets, as the guide handles it all.
• The museum has a cafeteria situated on the second floor. Make sure to plan some breaks so the little ones can take a break and you can enjoy scenic views from the rooftop terrace.