Restoration work at Milan Duomo is one of the main commitments that the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo has passionately carried out for centuries: it is here that the structural parts are monitored, and the ornaments and statues are restored, even replaced in some cases. This also regards the installation and upgrading of technological systems, as well as the placing of stained-glass windows, paintings, and wooden and metal artefacts.
A never-ending task which, since 2023, has been made possible also thanks to the precious support of KHR McNeely Family Foundation: a philanthropic family foundation, based in the United States of America, which has chosen, for the triennium 2023–2025, to support some of the most important restorations currently in progress on the Monument alongside initiatives related to digital development aimed at significantly improving the visitor experience for tourists. Its interest in safeguarding the Duomo’s historical and artistic heritage and the shared vision of wanting to pass it on to future generations has allowed for a synergy between the United States and Italy. As Kevin and Rosemary McNeely have underscored: “It has been our great honor to support the Duomo of Milano since 2023, given the historic and architectural magnificence of the Cathedral. The ongoing restoration is required to preserve it and your support will bring you joy and a special connection to the Duomo, which is quite unique and spectacular.”
The International Patrons of Duomo di Milano Inc., is the American charity based in New York and founded in 2014 with the aim of promoting the Duomo in the United States, attracting the American public’s interest to the protection and conservation of the Cathedral.
The support
Thanks to KHR Foundation’s support, the Veneranda Fabbrica’s specialised workers have been able to conduct some of the most complicated restorations in recent years, amongst which:
The Tiburio (lantern – interior)
This was the first full restoration carried out on the large, octagonal structure, weighing over 3,600 tonnes and suspended in mid-air, which supports the Madonnina on the outside. This worksite is one of the largest and most complex ever started in recent years, which has seen numerous specialised workers employed for almost 10 years both on structural work and on restoration and cleaning activities of the existing statuary. Restoration is almost complete and contribution from the Manitou Fund has mainly been used for reinforcing the large Eastern Arch.
Spire 17
Renovation of Spire 17 has also begun, one of those positioned in the apse area of the Duomo, to the east, which performs the important structural task of containing the forces of the vaulted structures, more marked in the apse than in any other part of the Cathedral. The spire is dedicated to one of the most well-known martyred saints in the city of Milan: Saint Victor the Moor.
Following careful monitoring carried out in 2022, scaffolding was put up and the first half of the Spire was removed, too damaged to be restored.
The Great Organ
During 2024, restoration on the north side of the Organ was completed. It is the largest modern organ in Italy and second in Europe with regards to the number of pipes and stops, resulting in it also being included in the hall of fame of the world’s fifteen largest organs. With 15,800 pipes, 5 organ cases and 5 consoles, it is therefore another of the most challenging restoration sites currently in the works, requiring drastic cleaning of the decorative parts, as well as of all the instrumental parts. In particular, from 2019 to now, the wooden parts on the north Organ case have been restored and maintenance of the instrumental parts continues, with particular reference to the now consolidated tasks of dismantling, cleaning and renovation of the pipes and bellows.
Future developments are also planned for some digitalisation projects, all having a common goal: to enrich the visiting experience to the Milan Duomo Monumental Complex and improving the cultural offering and services for over 3 million visitors.
Donations Office
Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Via Carlo Maria Martini, 1 – 20122 Milano
Freephone number: 800.528.477
Fax. 02.72022419
[email protected]
