Florence’s Accidental Landmark: The Crane That Stayed Too Long

For over 20 years, a massive crane has cast its metallic silhouette over the Uffizi Gallery — not exactly the kind of “art installation” Florence is known for.

Meant to assist with renovations in the early 2000s, the towering structure was supposed to be temporary. But as projects stalled and logistics became tangled in red tape, the crane remained. Year after year, it became part of the view — a strange, industrial addition to the city’s Renaissance skyline. Some locals even began affectionately (or ironically) referring to it as “la gru,” a symbol of unfinished business right in the heart of beauty.

Now, at long last, Florence is reclaiming its sky. Thanks to a collective effort from private supporters and cultural institutions, the crane is finally coming down — and House of Nine is proud to be among the sponsors helping to make it happen.

This isn’t just about removing a crane. It’s about restoring harmony to a space that belongs to centuries of art and architecture. It’s about seeing Florence the way it was meant to be seen — free from visual noise, open to the sky.

This is just one step in a larger journey. Every restored piazza, every reopened corridor, every crane that comes down — it’s all part of honoring the soul of Florence. House of Nine is excited to be a part of this living heritage, supporting projects that make the city even more breathtaking than it already is.