Richard Gere is in Florence: for him the keys to the city, and a visit to the Uffizi

Visit to the Uffizi for the famous American actor Richard Gere: the interpreter of Officer Gentleman, American gigolo, Pretty woman, Autumn in New York and many other successful films (especially from the 1980s and 1990s) was in Florence today to receive the keys to the city from Mayor Dario Nardella, “for the solidarity he has concretely and peacefully demonstrated toward those who suffer, relegated to the margins of society and for his 30-year commitment to the defense of fundamental human rights, freedom of thought and religion” (so reads the official motivation.

During his Florentine stay, the actor treated himself to an hour-long tour of the museum, led by director Eike D. Schmidt. On the museum’s closing day, the actor posed with gallery employees for a group selfie and signed autographs.

Reportedly, Richard Gere was especially fascinated by Giotto’s All Saints’ Altarpiece, Piero della Francesca’s double portrait of the Dukes of Urbino, Botticelli’sPrimavera, Leonardo da Vinci ’sAnnunciation and Michelangelo’sTondo Doni.

“Richard Gere,” said Director Schmidt, "is a really attentive and curious visitor. He lingered over each work, patiently studying the details and asking many questions. He greatly appreciated Beato Angelico’s Thebaid, pointing out the similarity between the figures of the holy fathers in ascetic retreat in the desert and Tibetan Buddhist monks" (as is well known, Richard Gere has been a practicing Buddhist since the 1970s).

During his Tuscan sojourn, Richard Gere also visited the Buddhist monastery in Pomaia (near Pisa) and also lingered at the Zeffirelli Foundation in Florence for a guided tour with Pippo Zeffirelli, son of recently deceased director Franco.

Pictured: Richard Gere together with Eike Schmidt in front of the Tondo Doni.

Richard Gere is in Florence: for him the keys to the city, and a visit to the Uffizi

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