Sapienza University's Restored Minerva Statue Unveiled After Three-Month Conservation

On November 18, 2024, La Sapienza University in Rome revealed the bronze Minerva statue created by Arturo Martini, following three months of restoration work. Originally inaugurated on October 31, 1935, the statue underwent a previous restoration in 1996 due to protective coatings that had dulled its appearance. The conservation effort, overseen by Mariella Nuzzo and coordinated by Enrico Bentivoglio, was led by Eliana Billi, with site direction from Giovanni Di Benedetto and restoration carried out by Stefano Lanuti and Dino Pellegrino. The gentle cleaning process successfully restored the statue's original green patina. Standing six meters tall, Minerva represents the university, which originated from a papal bull issued by Boniface VIII in 1303, and is part of a larger campus improvement initiative.