The Brancacci Chapel, in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine reopened today, February 8, after being closed for inspection.
The Tribute Money, fresco by Masaccio in the Brancacci Chapel, Florence
Two chapels adjacent to the Brancacci Chapel had to be secured by a team from the city’s fine arts department after debris fell from the ceiling of the left-side chapel on January 31. Nobody was hurt, but the world-famous frescoed chapel was closed for checks.
While the Brancacci Chapel has reopened and regular visiting hours have been resumed, the side chapels are still closed to the public, pending a final report.
Next week, inspections will start on the entire Santa Maria del Carmine church with construction experts conducting checks in a way that does not disturb people visiting the church for prayer or mass. A spider-shaped machine will be used that will allow workers to climb up to the necessary height and move around easily.
