Umbria earthquake: 1,000 artworks saved in Spoleto bunker

A seismic-safe bunker built a decade ago by the Umbria region in Spoleto is now sheltering nearly 1,000 artworks recovered from 37 sites hit by the 2016 earthquakes (August 24, October 26 and 30). The works come from 35 churches, the Preci surgery museum, and the Museo Civico della Castellina in Norcia, with more still arriving. A task force of 10–12 young restorers, graduates of Florence's Opificio delle Pietre Dure, will work in the 5,000-square-meter facility under the Opificio's coordination, performing damage assessment, priority coding, and emergency stabilization. The project 'Firenze per la salvezza del patrimonio artistico dell'Umbria' is funded by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze (€130,000) and supported by the Opificio, Fondazione Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and Nelson Mandela Forum, in agreement with the Mibact regional secretariat and the Umbrian archaeology and fine arts superintendency. A benefit concert on December 14 at the Nelson Mandela Forum, featuring the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra and Chorus, soloists Barbara Frittoli, Anna Maria Chiuri, Massimo Giordano, Carlo Colombara, and conductor Zubin Mehta, will raise additional funds. The restorer selection deadline is December 5.