Eataly Donates €1M for Leonardo's Last Supper Conservation

Oscar Farinetti's Eataly has donated €1 million for a conservation plan of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper in Milan, funding an environmental system that will filter 10,000 cubic meters of clean air daily, up from the current 3,500. The project, designed by MIBACT with ISCR, CNR, Politecnico di Milano, and Università Bicocca, aims to ensure the fresco's preservation for 500 more years and increase visitor capacity from 1,320 to potentially 2 million annually. The Italian state contributes an additional €1.2 million. The Codacons consumer association has raised concerns about private involvement, filing a request to review the agreement with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and the Superintendence of Milan, fearing 'privatization' of the artwork. Farinetti plans to set up dedicated corners in Eataly stores worldwide for booking special 50-minute evening visits. The project was presented on April 19 in Milan with Minister Dario Franceschini, writer Alessandro Baricco, Monsignor Luca Bressan, and Cenacolo Vinciano director Chiara Rostagno.