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Conservation and Restoration

The restoration workshop is a light, transparent structure situated in the heart of the Pinacoteca, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 2001; it has been completely restored thanks to the support of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, main sponsor of the Pinacoteca di Brera that also supported the restoration of Giambattista Tiepolo’s masterpiece: La Madonna del Carmelo fra i Santi. Conservation has become part and parcel of the visitor experience in the Pinacoteca.
Visitors have a unique opportunity to track the various steps in the restoration of a painting from close up, even viewing the work from different angles (such as the back, which is not normally visible to the public).
The workshop, which also takes an active part in the organisation of exhibitions and events, plays a key role in researching and diagnosing the state of conservation of the Pinacoteca’s paintings.

Laboratorio di restauro della Pinacoteca di Brera

Over the years, the laboratory has been updated and overhauled, and equipped with new instrumentation, useful for restoration and performing scientific investigations of the museum’s works.

Two large monitors provide information, including through the use of images and films, on the restorations underway. Twice a month it is also possible to participate in meetings dedicated by the restoration laboratory to illustrate activities and answer visitors’ curiosities.

Video

Andrea Carini takes us inside the restoration workshop, whose activities continue even during the lockdown.

Come si prepara un intervento conservativo?

How do you prepare a conservation intervention? What are multispectral surveys used for?

La conservazione preventiva

Preventive conservation is essential to have an up-to-date clinical picture of the works and prevent their deterioration. We accompany our restorer on her monitoring tour.

Come nel caso della “Danza degli Amorini”

As in the case of Francesco Albani’s “Danza degli amorini” (1623-1625), the restoration of a painting is as complex as it is fascinating.

Restauro Ritratto Gentiluomo Lotto

PART 1 | Our workshop is nearing completion of the restoration of one of the most beautiful portraits in the Pinacoteca, the “Ritratto di gentiluomo anziano con guanti” (possibly Liberale da Pinedel) painted by Lorenzo Lotto.

Restauro Ritratto Gentiluomo Lotto

PART 2 | Part 2 of the in-depth study on the restoration of Lorenzo Lotto’s “Ritratto di gentiluomo anziano con guanti (Liberale da Pinedel?),” by the Pinacoteca workshop.

Dottori dei quadri

PART 1 | Our “picture doctors” reveal the secrets of the restoration of Marco d’Oggiono’s “Madonna and Child” (1525) by the Picture Gallery workshop.

Approfondimento sul restauro della “Madonna con il Bambino”

PART 2 | Insight into the restoration of Marco d’Oggiono’s “Madonna and Child” (1525) by the workshop of the Pinacoteca.

Restoration

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