Piazzale degli Uffizi is sure to be inundated with plenty of guests this summer—but the nighttime numbers should see a particular spike. The square may play host to outdoor cinema as part of Estate Fiorentina, an annual collection of cultural events across the city. At a recent meeting with the City of Florence’s cultural committee, Mayor Dario Nardella presented a proposal which also has the backing of Eike Schmidt, director of the Uffizi Gallery.
Piazzale degli Uffizi | Ph. Stephen Rees
The idea aims to take advantage of the location not only for cultural purposes, but also to combat the illegal street vending that often takes place there in the evenings. As the mayor explained, “I have discussed the concept with {Mr.} Schmidt, and we are both in favor of putting on events there, also as a way to help curb the problem of illegal activity at night.”
The success of past summers’ outdoor cinema screenings in piazza Santissima Annunziata is a big reason that another historic space is being sought out, with Schmidt adding that he believes the setting will prove a major draw for the Florentine community.
