In the Florence episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy explore the works of art and restoration workshop in the Opera del Duomo.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Piazza del Duomo, 9) was built in 1891 to house the works of art created for the cathedral. The museum was recently renovated at the hands of director Monsignor Timothy Verdon and contains the bronze baptistery doors, Donatello’s wood-carved Mary Magdalene, and Michelangelo’s Pieta, among others. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit: operaduomo.firenze.it
The Duomo’s Restoration Workshop, where Michelangelo sculpted his David, has operated continuously as the workshop of stonemasons and carpenters for more than 700 years. Today it is the home base of the cathedral’s ongoing renovations, and artists restore statues and mosaics there using the same tools and techniques perfected by the Renaissance masters who created the originals. Admission is by guided tour only. Weekend In Italy provides a tour at this link.
To learn how to experience everything Kathy did in Florence, get your free copy of the full Dream of Italy: Season Two Travel Guide here.
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