Fresco by Piero Portaluppi Discovered During Milan Hospital Renovation

During structural consolidation works at Milan's Ospedale Luigi Sacco, a fresco attributed to architect Piero Portaluppi (1888–1967) was uncovered behind a demolished wall. The painting emerged in the Aula Magna, originally the ballroom of the Sanatorio di Vialba in the 1930s. The discovery forced a redesign of the renovation to protect the painted surface, and the Soprintendenza has initiated art-historical assessments. Attribution is based on the building's early-1930s inauguration and stylistic parallels with Portaluppi's other decorative works. If confirmed, this would add a new chapter to Portaluppi's oeuvre, known for integrating architecture with decoration. Portaluppi designed iconic Milanese buildings including Villa Necchi Campiglio, Casa degli Atellani, Planetario Hoepli, Palazzo Crespi, and Casa Corbellini-Wasserman (now Galleria Massimodecarlo), and restored the Pinacoteca di Brera and Santa Maria delle Grazie.