During the recent Winter Olympics, a significant cultural controversy unfolded in Milan as access to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper, was abruptly closed for three and a half days. This unexpected closure, which spanned from 5 to 8 February 2026, left numerous tourists disappointed and frustrated, with no public explanation provided for the shutdown.
VIP Delegations Granted Exclusive Access
The closure coincided with visits from several high-profile VIP delegations, who were granted exclusive access to the revered artwork. Among them was US Vice President JD Vance and his family, who visited The Last Supper after attending the Winter Olympics opening ceremony and holding a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Other foreign delegations from countries including China, Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria also toured the painting during this restricted period, highlighting the selective nature of the access.
Impact on Tourists and Local Residents
The unannounced closure had a profound impact on both international visitors and local residents. Many tourists, who had planned their trips specifically to see The Last Supper, missed their only opportunity to view the painting, leading to widespread disappointment. Additionally, local residents faced public transport disruptions as a result of the VIP movements, compounding the inconvenience and sparking criticism over the lack of transparency and planning.
This incident raises questions about the balance between hosting VIP events and maintaining public access to cultural heritage sites, especially during major international events like the Winter Olympics.
