Visiting Uffizi

Here is part of the 'rules' from the Gallery website--

It is absolutely forbidden to:

touch the works of art or to place objects close to them which may cause damage (with the single exception of the visually impaired or the blind, in relation to the works included in the dedicated itineraries)
lean on the base of sculptures or against walls
run in the museum premises
eat or drink in the exhibition areas
introduce canned drinks
introduce alcoholic drinks or corrosive drinks (e.g. Coca Cola)
smoke (the prohibition also includes esmoking)
use flash photography; to take photographs or videos using selfie sticks, lightstands, tripods or any kind of professional equipment
write on or dirty the walls
leave paper, bottles, chewinggum or other waste: use the appropriate bins!
introduce knives and/or other metal objects into the museum; introduce any kind of firearm and/or dangerous material. Armed visitors (including those with a regular licence) may not access the museum; any special conditions must be notified and may possibly be agreed beforehand with the Institute Director.
Introduce animals, with the exception of guide dogs for the blind, servicedogs assisting the disabled and pets for medical/therapeutic reasons (pet therapy) with a certificate issued by doctors belonging to public health services.

https://www.uffizi.it/en/pages/rules-to-visit-the-uffizi-galleries

The only place to eat is in their cafeteria. I suspect your lunch bag may not be welcome

The Uffizi is one of the greatest art museums in the world. As much as I enjoy art - I find after about 2 hours - my mind enters the walking zombie zone and the artwork starts to wash over me. Even Sr. Wendy Beckett from PBS, an art expert, suggests focusing on a few pieces rather than trying to "do it all."
My advice is download the free RS audioguide. I used this and it made a big difference. Plus, you can review it before you go. It will take you through the Uffizi in about 2-2 1/2 hours and provide a solid, comprehensive tour.
For art fans - the Uffizi is like a great big candy store full of Italian masterpieces. Hard to choose just a few.
Don't bring in food. You may be able to carry just a water bottle. Enjoy an Italian meal later, outside the Uffizi.

Voting with Joe here: I wouldn't try to bring food in. I've also seen mentions that all liquids, including water in bottles, are supposed to be emptied or disposed of before entry so I don't know as I'd try to bring one of those in either. If you need to eat/drink, go to the cafeteria on the 2nd floor.

Thanks joe32f Thanks again Kathy

And Sunbaked thanks for suggestion about time-limit and focus. It confirmed what I was really "wanting" to see at Uffizi. I had decided to focus on some things. I came to the conclusion that we really wouldn't be interested in everything and not enough time to see all! Yes, I plan on listening to RS' audio not only for Uffizi but for several other places as well: Vienna, Siena, Rome. Thanks again Sunbaked!

Thanks for food tip everyone! Decided to go Uffizi at 8:30 am and get a bite outside afterwards.

Mahalo again!

As much as I enjoy art - I find after about 2 hours - my mind enters
the walking zombie zone and the artwork starts to wash over me.

We spent a little over 5 hours. 😉

I'm impressed Kathy. Around crowds - I eventually take on the appearance of a person in the "Scream" artwork. We also had our middle school age daughter with us. She was a real trooper though. My husband "hit the wall" for overload near the end as well. I think we spent 3 hours total. We arrived at 2 pm or so. I heard it was less crowded in the afternoon. I am not convinced. (Another "Scream" image of me)

I eventually take on the appearance of a person in the "Scream"
artwork.

LOL!!!! We sort of had that appearance 3/4 of the way through the Pitti Palace/Palatine Gallery. 😱

The terrace of the Uffizi cafeteria has some of the best sights over all central Florence.

In order to avoid the "scream" face, Amici degli Uffizi offer long term access cards to people that look for repeated visits to the museum and study only a few works at a time. Of course, they are addressing students, scholars and residents who can pay repeated visits.