Orsanmichele complex reopens in Florence after restoration

On January 19, 2024, Florence's Orsanmichele church and museum reopened following a year of restoration work by Map Architetti and Natalini Architetti. The museum showcases original sculptures from notable artists such as Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Nanni di Banco, Andrea del Verrocchio, Baccio da Montelupo, and Giambologna, now positioned on new 2-meter high plinths with backgrounds that mimic the original tabernacles. This setup mirrors their historical placements, creating an ideal urban stroll. The lighting and materials are designed to pay homage to the marble and the 1960s metallic staircase by Archizoom. This initiative marks the end of Paola D'Agostino's directorship at the Bargello Museums, lauded for its "triumph" by Superintendent Antonella Ranaldi, who notes D'Agostino's commitment to enhancing museum accessibility.