Cenacolo Vinciano, Milan. Leonardo, dealing with mural painting, did not rely on the traditional yet durable fresco technique, which requires a quick application of color on still-wet plaster, but wanted to experiment with an innovative method that allowed him to work on dry plaster and thus return to the work repeatedly, tending to every tiny detail.
Unfortunately, Leonardo’s insights proved wrong and soon, due to an ‘unfortunate combination of causes,’ the painting began to deteriorate.
Over the centuries, many restorations followed in a desperate attempt to save the masterpiece. In 1999, after more than twenty years of work, the last conservation intervention was completed which, thanks to the removal of many overpaintings, brought to light what remained of the original layers.
Visitor Information
Booking fees do not apply to school groups, for which a flat rate of 5.00 euros per group is adopted. Booking for entry is mandatory. Entry to the museum on the first Sunday of the month is free, but booking is still mandatory. To book or purchase tickets: tel. +39 0292800360. The visit slots last 15 minutes for a maximum allowed number of 30 people at a time.
Information on Cenacolo Vinciano: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie , 2 – Milan
