ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Vittorio Emanuele II statue in Milan still stained after climate protest

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

The statue of Vittorio Emanuele II located in Piazza Duomo, Milan, continues to bear yellow stains after being vandalized with spray paint by Ultima Generazione activists on March 9, 2023. Initial efforts by Amsa to clean the monument were unsuccessful, prompting the municipality to seek the expertise of a specialized restoration team due to the monument's protected designation. A public tender for the restoration work is anticipated by early May 2023, aligning with Milan's Art Week. Politicians such as Enrico Marcora (FdI) and Alice Arienta (Pd) have called for the city to pursue legal action. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano suggested imposing fines for damage to cultural heritage. Restoration expenses totaling €28,950 were funded by a private donation from Vox Media srl, which the City of Milan accepted on May 11, 2023.

Key facts

  • Statue of Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Duomo, Milan, spray-painted by Ultima Generazione on March 9, 2023.
  • Initial water cleaning by Amsa failed; specialized restoration needed due to monument's protected status.
  • Public tender for restoration expected by early May 2023.
  • Delay occurs during Milan Art Week and Salone del Mobile.
  • Politicians Enrico Marcora (FdI) and Alice Arienta (Pd) demand city join legal proceedings.
  • Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano proposed fines up to €60,000 for damaging cultural heritage.
  • Fratelli d'Italia bill proposes fines up to €1,000, urban bans, and up to 3 years imprisonment for 'eco-vandals'.
  • Icom previously supported climate protest actions.
  • Superintendent Emanuela Carpani reported pre-existing degradation and risk of marble damage from water jets.
  • Vox Media srl donated €28,950 for restoration, accepted by City of Milan on May 11, 2023.

Entities

Institutions

  • Ultima Generazione
  • Azienda Milanese Servizi Ambientali (Amsa)
  • Palazzo Marino
  • Artribune
  • Comune di Milano
  • Fratelli d'Italia (FdI)
  • Partito Democratico (Pd)
  • Ministero della Cultura
  • International Council of Museums (Icom)
  • Vox Media srl
  • Sovrintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la Città Metropolitana di Milano
  • Vigili del Fuoco

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Piazza Duomo
  • England

Sources