Tourists to Milan during the Winter Olympics hoping to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper were in for an unwelcome surprise: Access to the masterpiece is closed to the public for three-and-a-half days. Source: Crux.
The painting, created between 1494 and 1498 by the Italian Renaissance artist, is located on a wall inside the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church and Dominican convent still used by friars. It is a major attraction for appreciators of art and devout Catholics alike.
Tourists stuck at the police cordon down the street leading to Santa Maria delle Grazie were disappointed.
A sign on the wall outside Il Cenacolo Vinciano stated that access to the landmark would be closed on February 5, 6 and 7, and the morning of February 8, without giving any reason. Staff there told a reporter from The Associated Press they were not authorised to provide any information.
Unbeknownst to frustrated visitors, multiple VIP groups were exempt from the restrictions on Saturday.
Among them were US Vice President JD Vance and his family, according to a statement from the vice president’s office. They visited the morning after he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and attended the Games’ opening ceremony.
In addition to Mr Vance, many foreign delegations have visited The Last Supper and the Brera Art Gallery in recent days, including those of China, Poland, Hungary and Bulgaria, Angelo Crespi, the director of Grande Brera that oversees both institutions, said in a statement.
“We interpret our role responsibly, not only in terms of tourism but also in terms of international relations,” he said.
Traffic around the religious site on Saturday was diverted. People walking along nearby streets said public transportation was disrupted, as well.
The Last Supper is preserved under strict conservation conditions.
Instead of creating a fresco that would have allowed the paint to be absorbed into the plaster, Leonardo used a dry technique, making it much more vulnerable to deterioration. Environmental damage and repeated restoration attempts altered its appearance and prompted ongoing conservation efforts.
Nowadays, visits last about 15 minutes, with a maximum of 40 people at a time, and temperature and humidity are strictly controlled.
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Tourists stopped from seeing The Last Supper, while Olympic VIPs including Vance visit (By María Teresa Hernández, AP via Crux)
