Milan's Duomo 'Adopt a Statue' Initiative Revives Centuries-Old Marbles
A restored 15th-century statue from Milan's iconic Duomo has been unveiled to the public, thanks to the innovative "Adopt a Statue" program. Launched in 2020 by the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, the institution responsible for the cathedral's conservation, this initiative recruits donors to fund restoration efforts under loan agreements that allow statues to be displayed outside the Duomo.
From Storage to Spotlight: The Bearded Saint with Book
The Bearded Saint with Book, a marble sculpture originally displayed outdoors, is now on public view at Piazzale Cadorna, housed behind a glass window at the headquarters of FNM, a transport company based in Lombardy. This display, which began on February 13, 2026, marks a significant step in bringing historical artworks back to public appreciation.
Elisa Mantia, the program's project manager, explained in an interview with The Associated Press, "The uniqueness of this project is that statues that would otherwise remain in our deposits are restored and brought back to their original beauty. In that way, they can continue to tell the story of the Duomo even in places that are far from the monument."
How the Program Works
The "Adopt a Statue" program operates through donor agreements, which can be initiated by companies or individuals. These agreements are typically granted for an initial one-year term and may be renewed. Donors select a sculpture from a preselected list of around 30 eligible statues, each requiring authorization from Italy's cultural heritage authorities due to strict conservation, insurance, and transport regulations.
Once a donor chooses a statue, restoration takes between one and three months. For the Bearded Saint with Book, the process involved surface finishing and mechanical cleaning to remove a black crust caused by air pollution, with no structural damages preventing its loan.
Historical Context and Broader Impact
The Duomo's construction began in 1386 under Gian Galeazzo Visconti, then lord of Milan, in collaboration with the city's archbishop. Taking over five centuries to complete, the cathedral features statues carved by artists from different regions and periods, creating a timeline of evolving artistic styles. The marble used comes from the Candoglia quarries in Piedmont, Italy, under the supervision of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo.
Andrea Gibelli, president of FNM, emphasized during a press conference on February 13, "Culture can save the world. We want to spread the cultural riches we are fortunate to have, which are often overlooked or not fully appreciated."
Other sculptures adopted under the program include a 16th-century David, a depiction of Samson and the Lion, and a statue of Saint Matthew the Apostle. This initiative builds on previous fundraising campaigns where donors could adopt gargoyles or spires in exchange for inclusion in the Duomo's donor register.
Preserving Milan's Heritage
Mantia highlighted the Duomo's significance, stating, "Beyond being the symbol of Milan, the Duomo is also a symbol of its history. It is a monument that grew together with the city, that tells within itself, in its statues and in the style with which it is decorated, the entire history of the city."
The program not only restores artworks but also ensures they remain accessible to the public, fostering a deeper connection with Milan's rich cultural legacy. While the exact number of adopted statues is not disclosed, the initiative continues to expand, offering new opportunities for preservation and display.
