Bargello Museum tapestry begins 30-month restoration

Restoration efforts have begun on ‘Il banchetto di Psiche’ (The Banquet of Psyche), a 17th-century wool and silk tapestry held in the deposits of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello. The work, which has been away from public view for approximately one century, was recently transferred to the tapestry and carpet laboratory of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure located in Palazzo Vecchio.

The restoration project is expected to last 30 months. It is being carried out through a collaboration between the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, the Bargello Museums (an institute of the Ministry of Culture), and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. The initiative is funded by a 100,000 euro donation from the Fondazione Il Bargello ETS Ente Filantropico via the Art Bonus program.

Andreina Contessa, Director General of GAMB, stated that the restoration is a significant step in rediscovering and valuing extraordinary heritage that is often little known. The project aims to ensure the conservation of the piece while opening new perspectives for study and knowledge.