CHARTER Milan Workshop reunited CHARTER members and Italian local stakeholders under the theme: “Stakeholders in cultural heritage: The case of Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano”. The workshop focused on this emblematic site to build a case study for the in-depth analysis of the CH system, professionalism, and the roles that are centered around such an important and complex monument as Milan Duomo, which also has a large impact on the ecosystem of the surrounding territory.

Day 1 – Terraces, cathedral & museum

The programme focused on the cultural heritage fields revolving around the Duomo, following the outer circle of the CHARTER model: professionals from engagement and use, preservation and safeguarding, as well as from education will discuss which skills and competences (with needs and gaps), are essential to manage CH. 

To have a proper view of the Duomo and its different domains, participants divided into 3 groups to have a guided tour through the terraces, the cathedral and the museum. The itinerary allowed the possibility to assess first hand the restoration and conversation activities carried out, such as the Candoglia marble pieces treatment on the rooftops or specific stained-glass panels inside the cathedral. The museum gave proof of the access and engagement sought by the Duomo to provide an attractive experience to visitors.

Later, parallel groups discusses core challenges and activities based on the Duomo, including conservation and safeguarding, engagement and use, education and training. Local stakeholders shared their views based on their own professional experiences, working together on a future case scenario for the Duomo.

Day 2 – Focus on Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo

The second day revolved around the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, its organization, the skills of its employees, and its core activities that are divided across multiple operational sectors. Amongst these, in addition to the management of the Construction Sites for the conservation and restoration of the Cathedral, there are the reception services for tourists and worshippers, fundraising campaigns, institutional relations, the enhancement of the Duomo through its cultural assets, and the promotion of digital projects.

The day started with a counterpoint of three different case studies: the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo (Ing. Francesco Canali); the York Minster (Alex McCallion, Laura Cotter) and the Opera della Primaziale Pisana (Roberto Cela). Each of them explained their restoration challenges, processes and best practices.

Access the presentation of Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo: The case of Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo – CHARTER

Access the presentation of York Minster: York Minster – CHARTER Milan Workshop

Later a session by Working Package 2 took place to collect stakeholder’s perspectives on cultural heritage work processes on different fields of work in the Duomo: the 3 restoration sites and technical management; archive and digital projects; museum, collection management, conservation and education; management and fundraising.

Second part of the day included the visit to the marble yard where marble is processed to obtain the necessary pieces for the conservation of the Duomo. The marble yard is equipped with advanced technology and professionals including milling and filing workers, square marble workers, ornamental marble workers, sculptors, etc.

Day 3 – Conclusions & Candoglia quarry

The last day gave the opportunity to process, share and discuss the conclusions from the different sessions held during the workshop. Each rapporteur presented the main conclusions of their respective groups and the roaming observers, our Coordinator Lluís Bonet and Erminia Sciacchitano (CHARTER Expert Advisory Board) shared their observations of the work carried out during the workshop.

The afternoon completed the Duomo’s cycle by a visit to Candoglia, the Duomo’s official marble quarry. This specific site was considered to have the best stones for the cathedral and has held this purpose as its exclusive activity.

Scuola Mohole’s visual artists intervention

Young visual artists from Scuola Mohole were invited to participate in the workshop by capturing all discussions and concepts and transforming them into a visual interpretation of the workshop. You can enjoy here the final outcomes by Emma Corazzi, Alice Cattaneo, Eugenio Ricupati, Matteo Vecchi, Riccardo Stefanelli: Scuola Mohole – Visual interpretation of CHARTER’s workshop

Note: The graphic illustrations cannot be used or distributed for any purpose by external parties without express consent of the artists.