The Italian word “Uffizi” means “offices.” This was the earliest function of the building complex that eventually became the first European museum. Cosimo I de’ Medici had secured his undisputed power as the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. In order to establish his control over the wider region he decided to combine Florence’s thirteen judiciary and administrative offices in a building near Palazzo Vecchio (his private residence). In 1559 he employed Giorgio Vasari to design the Uffizi. Construction began in 1560 and was completed in 1580.