Despite the scaffolding surrounding the Neptune Fountain in piazza della Signoria, visitors are now able to visit the restoration site.
The project is being funded by the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion house, making use of the Italian Art Bonus scheme, whereby companies receive a tax break of 65 percent for donations to cultural activities. Ferragamo has donated 1.5 million euro for the restoration, whose completion is expected in 2018.
At a press conference, company chairman Ferruccio Ferragamo commented, “This initiative conveys an important message of how much the collaboration between public and private, in their respective roles, can create projects aimed at benefitting the city’s constant evolution.”
In a press release, Florence mayor Dario Nardella commented, “The colossal Neptune is one of the city’s best-known and loved symbols. Its restoration must not hinder our enjoyment of the statue, which is why we have chosen a restoration site that is as ‘open’ as possible.”
Free guided tours are available once a day, upon prior reservation at www.nettunofirenze.it. The Neptune Fountain now its own Instagram account @ilbiancone.
