Florence’s Uffizi Unveils €50M Vision To Protect Gardens From Climate Change

Uffizi Galleries, which owns the famed Bobble Gardens in Florence, has recently revealed its plans to protect the landscape from the ill effects of climate change; and it’s going to cost a whopping €50 million (US$51 million).

The sprawling landscape, which was first populated with statues and grottoes in the 16th century by Duchess Eleonora di Toledo, will be worked on over the next eight years, with its owners hoping it will re-emerge more beautiful, accessible, and environmentally sustainable.

This ambitious project—aptly named ‘Bobble 2030’—will comprise 40 separate components, aimed at restoring the gardens’ sculptures and fountains, optimizing water resources, expanding into new spaces, and re-functionalizing buildings with new services for visitors. 

Part of the plan also involves using €2.4 million (US$2.44 million) of the funds to install a new energy-efficient lighting system in a push towards making the park greener and cleaner.

According to ARTnews, the museum has successfully carried out nearly half of the project’s tasks thus far, and it will be using ticket sales to fund the outstanding works.

In a statement, Director Eike Schmidt says the initiative not only plans on returning the gardens to “the glories of the times of the Medici and the Lorena dynasties,” but to also surpass it and make it the “best open museum in the world.” 

Visitors thinking of stopping by the park soon can look forward to the atmospheric grand-ducal cafeteria—which has remained closed to the public for years—reopening in October, featuring a panoramic terrace for the perfect spot to picnic while overlooking breathtaking views of the city.

[via ARTnews and Uffizi Galleries, cover image via Uffizi Galleries]