He is considered a doer who is not afraid to try new things. He woke the Uffizi from its slumber and transformed it into one of the most exciting museums in the world. Now the German culture manager Eike Schmidt wants to become mayor of Florence with the help of the right – and clean up the Medici metropolis! Krone+ spoke to the 56-year-old.
From the high art of the Renaissance to the depths of everyday Italian politics: Eike Schmidt means business seriously. The 56-year-old is considered one of the most renowned art historians and museum directors in the world. From 2015 to the end of 2023 he headed the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and since the beginning of this year he has been director of the Capodimonte National Museum in Naples.
Not anymore. Two weeks ago, the Freiburg resident officially announced his candidacy for the office of mayor of the Tuscan cultural metropolis of Florence. The local elections will take place on June 8 and 9. An election that could cause a political earthquake in Italy.
Eike Schmidt is also well known in Austria. In autumn 2019, he canceled his appointment as designated general director of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, a month before he was due to take up his position, in order to extend his time in Florence. A step that Cultural Austria disapproved and angered.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
