17th-Century Fresco Discovered During Milan Cinema Renovation

While renovating the Nuovo Cinema Orchidea in Milan, workers uncovered a 17th-century fresco hidden beneath layers of plaster. In light of the fresco's artistic value, the city council and the Superintendence of Archaeology updated the initial 2016 renovation plan, which began in 2019. Filippo Del Corno, the culture councilor, stressed the importance of altering the project. The revised design incorporates a spacious multifunctional area while maintaining the rustic ambiance and vaulted ceiling. Originally known as Casa Medici, the building was gifted to Lorenzo de' Medici in 1486 by Gian Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Ludovico il Moro. After being closed since 2009, the cinema will feature a basement screen and exhibition space, with renovation costs totaling €1.3 million, which includes restoring original pavements and cloister walls.