In August, the Botticino School of Restoration launched a new restoration site at the Maison de l’Italie, the university residence located within the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris. The project was carried out by recently graduated restorer Marta Zubani, accompanied by her professors Dario Guerini and Marco Cagna.
The intervention focused on the sculptural element “ITALIA”, made of stone material and part of the architectural complex of the Maison de l’Italie, designed by Piero Portaluppi, a leading figure of 20th-century Italian Rationalism. In addition to the main element, the team also restored an ancient sculpture and three bronze reliefs – replicas from the Church of San Zeno in Verona. The restoration works were undertaken on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris.
The initiative is part of the project “The Culture of Restoration”, launched three years ago by Valore Italia in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The project promotes the care and enhancement of Italian artistic heritage abroad.
“Italian restoration science represents a model that we can export around the world, as demonstrated by the work at the Maison de l’Italie in Paris and other projects connected to the network of Embassies and Italian Cultural Institutes, thanks to the contribution of Valore Italia. Through restoration, we tell the story of Italian craftsmanship, academic depth, and, more broadly, the rich cultural roots of our country,” stated Marco Maria Cerbo, Head of the Coordination Unit for Italian Cultural Institutes.
“The Valore Italia team brought with them great expertise, professionalism and humanity. In the relationship between teachers and students, I saw that same spirit of joyful and studious intergenerational collaboration that also animates us at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris,” said Maria Chiara Prodi, Director of the Maison de l’Italie.
“This experience represents an important training opportunity for the student involved, offering her the chance to engage with an international environment and a significant work of 20th-century Italian architecture. The initiative also highlights the quality of education and hands-on practice promoted by the Botticino School of Restoration, as well as the value of cooperation between Italian and international institutions in safeguarding and enhancing cultural heritage,” stated Salvatore Amura, CEO of Valore Italia – Botticino School of Restoration.
