Sign up to CNN Travel’s free nine-part Unlocking Italy newsletter to gain exclusive insights into Italy’s most beloved destinations and lesser-known regions for planning your dream trip. Plus, get in the mood with movie recommendations, reading lists, and recipes from Stanley Tucci.
For over 500 years, Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of David has remained unchanged in Florence, making it one of the world’s most famous works of art and a symbol of masculinity. However, as Italy emerges from the pandemic, the David has undergone a remarkable transformation. Thanks to a new lighting system, details previously unseen in the statue’s history are now visible.
Lucia Lazic, a guide who frequently visits the Accademia Gallery, where the David is housed, exclaimed, “A few days ago, I noticed muscles on the body that I’d never seen before. I couldn’t believe it! The lighting has greatly improved on the David.” Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Accademia, stated that the lighting has completely changed the visual perception of the artwork. The marble appears whiter, and the details are more pronounced.
The new lighting system was implemented as part of a recent renovation that aimed to bring the dynamic qualities of sunlight into the Tribuna room, where the statue is displayed beneath a domed skylight. LED spotlights were strategically placed in a circle above the statue, enveloping it while keeping the rest of the space illuminated but in the background. Throughout the day, the color of the light subtly changes, offering visitors a fresh perspective with each step around the statue.
The renovation extends beyond the David to the rest of the museum. The Galleria dei Prigioni, which showcases Michelangelo’s semi-finished sculptures of prisoners of war and other works, has also undergone a lighting upgrade. Previously, the prisoners appeared yellow, while the David appeared white. Now, all the sculptures share the same color, and every chisel mark can be clearly seen.
In addition to the lighting improvements, several rooms in the gallery have been repainted to enhance the colors in the paintings. The previously beige walls have been replaced with vibrant hues tailored to each room’s artworks. This change has revitalized the paintings, transforming them from overlooked landmarks to must-see attractions in their own right.
The impact of the renovations can already be observed in visitor behavior. Tourists no longer rush past the paintings neighboring the David. Instead, they pause to admire the newfound details and intricacies. The Sala del Colosso, once a room visitors overlooked, is now filled with curious onlookers. The gallery’s renovation project, which started before the pandemic, has successfully redistributed the crowds, drawing attention to the magnificence of every artwork within the museum.
The final phase of the renovation focuses on the Gipsoteca, the plaster cast gallery. Previously ignored and often closed due to the lack of air conditioning, the Gipsoteca has been transformed with a fresh layout, soothing blue walls, and a modern cooling system. The gallery now showcases 414 plaster casts, mostly sculpted by renowned artist Lorenzo Bartolini, who is featured in esteemed museums worldwide.
The museum’s revamp has not only attracted tourists but also caught the attention of locals. The Accademia, once seen primarily as a tourist destination, is now being rediscovered by Florentines. Concert series have been held to welcome locals and further enhance their appreciation for the museum. Italy’s Minister of Culture, Dario Franceschini, commended the museum’s efforts, stating that the renovations have successfully transformed it into a modern venue while preserving its 19th-century charm.
In conclusion, the Accademia Gallery’s recent renovations, including the new lighting system and revitalized rooms, have revolutionized the experience of viewing Michelangelo’s David and other notable artworks. The updates not only reveal previously hidden details but also provide a fresh perspective, enriching the overall visit to this historic museum.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
