The print-room is on the first floor of the Uffizi Gallery (situated in the former Medici Theatre). It is one of the major graphic collections of the world.
The collection was started around the mid-17th century by Cardinal Leopoldo de' Medici and has been continually expanded ever since.
Its holdings (almost 150.000 drawings and prints) date from the end of the 14th century to the present day, with especially rich sections for the Tuscan Renaissance and 17th century periods.
For conservation reasons, works by Renaissance masters are only accessible for specialist purposes.
The Library and photographic collection are available to scholars. There is also a restoration laboratory which ensures a constant control of the state of conservation of the collection.
The department organises regular exhibitions in its Exhibition Room, provided with scholarly catalogues.