[ "Inside the double‑storey Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a prancing bull gilt in beige and blue has long been a centerpiece of Milan’s grand arcade. In the 19th century, tourists performed a ritual against its painted testicles – spinning three times to the rhythm of a heel strike – with the promise of good fortune and a return journey.", "The gesture, now practiced by thousands daily, has left a small crater in the “lucky spot.” City councillors noted that the delicate pink tiles that form the bull’s testicles are wearing away, and that the mural’s last full restoration ran only in 2017.
Organized by Milan’s heritage department, a temporary construction site has now been erected around the mosaic. A restorer, artisan Gianluca Galli, works by hand, cutting new stone pieces to fit the damaged sections while onlookers pause to watch the process.
“It’s a charming gesture, but also quite damaging for a work of art,” Galli explained to AFP. “We need to underpin a piece that is loved and experienced. It’s a living heritage that can only survive care, not neglect.”
Councilor Emmanuel Conte emphasized that the Galleria is a living heritage, a tangible link to Turin’s days as the first capital of Italy. By restoring the mosaic, the city hopes to continue welcoming visitors while preserving the artwork for future generations.", "Milan’s commitment to restoring the bull mosaic demonstrates the fine line between cultural tradition and conservation: a vivid reminder that even the most celebrated symbols of a city can require tender care to endure beyond their origin." ]
Organized by Milan’s heritage department, a temporary construction site has now been erected around the mosaic. A restorer, artisan Gianluca Galli, works by hand, cutting new stone pieces to fit the damaged sections while onlookers pause to watch the process.
“It’s a charming gesture, but also quite damaging for a work of art,” Galli explained to AFP. “We need to underpin a piece that is loved and experienced. It’s a living heritage that can only survive care, not neglect.”
Councilor Emmanuel Conte emphasized that the Galleria is a living heritage, a tangible link to Turin’s days as the first capital of Italy. By restoring the mosaic, the city hopes to continue welcoming visitors while preserving the artwork for future generations.", "Milan’s commitment to restoring the bull mosaic demonstrates the fine line between cultural tradition and conservation: a vivid reminder that even the most celebrated symbols of a city can require tender care to endure beyond their origin." ]
