Torino's Leonardo Celebrations Delayed as Milan Leads

Torino has fallen behind schedule for the 2019 celebrations of the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's death, despite launching its Leonardo year 18 months ago with an exhibition of the famous self-portrait from the Musei Reali at the Biblioteca Reale. The official program for 2019 has yet to be announced, while Milan unveiled its nine-month calendar in July. Francesca Leon, Torino's Assessor for Culture, explained that a protocol was approved on March 27, 2018, with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the Musei Reali, the Piedmont Region, and the Fondazione Torino Musei to coordinate events. The Fondazione Torino Musei serves as the organizational lead. The National Committee, established by law in October 2017, only began work in February 2018 and reviewed proposals submitted by September 30, 2018. On March 30, 2018, the Fondazione Torino Musei sent a general proposal to MIBAC, followed by a detailed budget update on July 6, 2018. Involved entities include the University of Turin, Polytechnic University of Turin, Centro Scienza, La Venaria Reale, the Museum of Scientific Museums, the National Museum of Artillery, Turismo Torino, and the ATL of Piedmont. On September 26, the Ministry granted patronage and logo use. All activities will center on the exhibition "Leonardo da Vinci. Disegnare il futuro," curated by the Musei Reali. Details are still being finalized and will be announced soon, after a meeting between Leon and the Fondazione Torino Musei.