Learning how a sixcenturies old piece of art is restored is one of the most fascinating andexclusive experiences the city of Florence can offer. Florence is the leadingcity in art restoration in the world. In1966 the city was flooded by the Arno river and its art treasures sufferedimmense damage believed to be hopeless. When the Curator of the National Library discovered a little fish barelyswimming in the muddy basement of the Library exclaimed: “if this fish survivedin my Library basement, so can my books!” An unprecedent massive effort to rescue the art and the incommensurablehistorical treasures of the city was started that day. People came from all over the world to helprescue the art from the muddy waters. They were called “the Mud Angels”. The machine was activated and fromthis tragic experience Florence resurged and gained a tremendous expertise inthe world of art restoration. Leadingschools frequented by international students have produced the best artsaviours in the world. You will meetsome of them at work on site or in their studios.
