Torino to host permanent Leonardo da Vinci display as part of 2019 celebrations

The Royal Library of Turin will give a permanent home to its collection of Leonardo da Vinci drawings, including the famous self-portrait, within the Royal Museums of Turin. Director Enrica Pagella announced the plan at the opening of the exhibition 'Intorno a Leonardo. Disegni italiani del Rinascimento' in the library's vault, where the restored self-portrait is now on view after two years of restoration. The initiative kicks off celebrations for the 500th anniversary of Leonardo's death in 2019. Pagella stated that the current vault is too small for a collection of global appeal, and the new space will feature multimedia supports like videos and touch screens. The project falls under a special law by Mibact funding celebrations for Leonardo (2019), Raphael (2020), and Dante Alighieri (2021). A steering committee will meet in Turin in September with cities holding Leonardo works—Florence, Venice, and Milan (Castello Sforzesco and Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana)—to discuss a proposed international tourist circuit showcasing different aspects of Leonardo's art across Italy.