Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace affected by flooding in Florence

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding in Florence have impacted the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace. During a severe storm on September 17, nearly 50 millimeters of rain fell, causing water to leak through a roof window in a room at the Uffizi Gallery containing seven 17th-century paintings.

Caravaggio’s ‘Bacchus’, an oil on canvas dating to approximately 1596-1598, was specifically targeted by dripping water. The artwork was protected by its glass display case, preventing direct damage, though some reports noted the painting appeared clouded with water streaks. Six other paintings in the room remained untouched by the water.

At the Pitti Palace, flooding affected the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, necessitating the closure of certain exhibition spaces. The incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges of preserving Italy’s vast cultural heritage against extreme weather events and environmental factors like humidity and pollution.