Uffizi Gallery Tries Out Reservations

Five thousand people can descend on the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, on a busy day, jamming the showcase of Renaissance glory. Tourists can spend two hours under a sweltering sun waiting to get inside.

So, officials are trying a new way. This month, they began accepting a limited number of reservations, allowing quick entry into the museum. A visitor with a reservation for a particular day can show up any time and skip the line. Up to 300 places a day will be available during the three-month trial.

For now, there is no cost to reserve. The entry fee is 12,000 lire, or about $8.

The number to call from outside Italy is 011-39-55-471-960. Officials also hope to establish a computer address for reservations by e-mail.