The “Milano Duomo Card” and “Capolavori” are here
Two new initiatives to support the Duomo during the year of the pandemic
On 24 November 2020, a live press conference was held to unveil two new initiatives from the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano to support the Cathedral and its restoration during the year of the pandemic: “Milano Duomo Card” and “Capolavori” (“Masterpieces”).
The initiatives were officially presented by the President of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, Fedele Confalonieri, by the Archpriest of the Duomo, Mons. Gianantonio Borgonovo, by General Director of the Institution, Fulvio Pravadelli, by the CEO of Mondadori Retail, Carmine Perna, and by Construction Supervisor of the Cathedral, Francesco Canali. The special guest was Maestro Beatrice Venezi, official ambassador of the Veneranda Fabbrica’s new projects.
Two initiatives that are first and foremost acts of solidarity because, in this particularly difficult moment for culture and tourism, by choosing the “Milano Duomo Card” means first of all supporting the Cathedral and its restoration activities. The card, in fact, is a response to the health emergency that led once again to another suspension of visits to Duomo from 5 November. A difficult situation to face for the Fabrica del Domm. 2019 finished with a record number of tourists: approximately 2.8 million people visited the Historical Complex throughout the year. Unfortunately, the forecast for 2020 is not expected to exceed around 550,000 visitors, a decline of over 80%.
The “Milano Duomo Card”, developed by the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, the institution established in 1387 to oversee the construction and enhancement of the Cathedral, is a true passport to culture. Multipurpose and easy-to-use, it is available online from this page and, from February 2021, from the Mondadori bookstores adjacent to Duomo: the Mondadori Megastore in Piazza del Duomo and Rizzoli Galleria. The card, available in various types, allows one to have the experience of visiting earlier (with tickets and itineraries for the Duomo, Rooftops, Archaeological Area and unlimited access to the Duomo Museum for one year, useable upon reopening) thanks to the in-depth multimedia content that explores all the Cathedral’s treasures and that follows the various restoration work, accessible via a reserved area. Furthermore, there is the possibility of choosing a free gift from the Duomo’s official collection, including the now famous “Panettone del Duomo di Milano”.
To further support Milan Duomo, “Capolavori” (“Masterpieces”) was created: a new initiative that will finally bring to light the amazing treasures housed within the antique Archives of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo and beyond. Available from this page and in the Mondadori Megastore in Piazza del Duomo and Rizzoli Galleria from December, you can buy some reproductions of the rarest prints and most exclusive photographic heritage of the Cathedral, from the 19th to 20th century, with extraordinary glimpses into the Milan of yesteryear, delving amongst the spires, down old alleyways and into details now disappeared. The reproductions can be ordered in various formats and can even be received at home, already framed and with a dry seal Guarantee Certificate.
“With its inexhaustible creative vein, in spite of the lockdown that has completely effected culture and tourism and which we hope to overcome very soon, the Veneranda Fabbrica continues working on the restoration sites so as to carry on making the infinite beauty of the Cathedral shine, ready to welcome new visitors who will cross the thresholds to join worshippers, who in these days of Advent experience an atmosphere of sobriety and inner meditation in Duomo. Thanks to the Milano Duomo Card and Capolavori initiatives, it will be possible to choose a gift of solidarity in support of the Fabbrica’s work. With great pleasure, Maestro Beatrice Venezi, who already had the opportunity of coming to the Duomo as guest of the opening conference of the seventh season 2019-2020 of the School of the Cathedral and who feels with genuine empathy the sufferings of the world of culture, and in particular music, in this torturous period, has accepted our invitation to be universal ambassador of the Veneranda Fabbrica and its initiatives. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Maestro Venezi from the two souls who support the Duomo, the Fabbrica and the Metropolitan Chapter, for having accepted the invitation with an open heart”, said Mons. Gianantonio Borgonovo, Archpriest of Milan Duomo.
“In such a difficult moment for our society, all of our support in preserving the value of our immense cultural and artistic heritage is fundamental. I am honoured to have been called as ambassador for this project aimed at supporting the restoration of Milan Duomo, a World Heritage Site but also a symbol of the productive, creative, and excellent Italy that the whole world knows and admires”, commented Maestro Beatrice Venezi.
“For Mondadori Retail, it is an honour to be alongside the Veneranda Fabbrica in this important project for the restoration of Duomo: not just the symbol of Milan, but also an invaluable heritage site of our country and our history. Our bookshops are an integral part of our territory, communities, neighbourhoods, and cities, especially in Piazza del Duomo to which we are all linked. Today more than ever, solidarity and collaboration are essential to continue the promotion of culture and its values”, declared Carmine Perna, CEO of Mondadori Retail.
The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo will not interrupt its work: to face this complex situation, beauty is once again transformed into value, bringing it directly into the homes of Milanese, all Italians, and even those from abroad who want to continue writing this timeless marble history. A challenge tailored to Duomo.
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