MILAN — The Bearded Saint with Book, a weathered 15th-century sculpture, gazes out from its new spot at Piazzale Cadorna. Restored through the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano’s innovative ‘Adopt a Statue’ initiative, the statue debuted there on Feb. 13 at FNM’s headquarters. FNM, a major Lombardy transport firm, sponsored the project.

Launched in 2020, the program pairs donors—companies or private individuals—with cathedral statues needing care. In exchange, participants host the restored pieces on loan for public display away from the Duomo. This setup revives artifacts that might otherwise languish in storage.

“These statues regain their original splendor and share the Duomo’s history in unexpected locations,” said Elisa Mantia, the program’s project manager. She highlighted how the initiative breathes fresh life into overlooked treasures from the cathedral’s vast collection.

The Duomo, a Gothic masterpiece started in 1386, houses thousands of such sculptures. Many endured centuries of exposure before retreating to reserves. The Bearded Saint with Book exemplifies their plight. Carved in the 1400s, it once flanked the cathedral’s exterior. Pollution and time took their toll, landing it in storage decades ago.

Restoration experts at the Fabbrica meticulously cleaned the limestone figure. They repaired cracks, stabilized the surface and recreated missing details from historical records. The saint’s flowing robes and stern expression now shine vividly under protective glass.

FNM’s involvement marks a corporate embrace of cultural heritage. The company’s Piazzale Cadorna offices draw thousands of commuters daily. Placing the statue there exposes it to a broad audience, far from the Duomo’s tourist crowds.

Since inception, ‘Adopt a Statue’ has revived over a dozen works. Donors cover costs ranging from €20,000 to €50,000 per piece, according to Fabbrica officials. Each restored statue carries a plaque crediting its patron, supporting a sense of shared stewardship.

Mantia noted the program’s flexibility. Hosts commit to secure display and occasional returns to the Duomo for events. This rotation keeps the sculptures circulating, amplifying their narrative reach across Milan.

Public response has been strong. Visitors at FNM’s site snap photos and ponder the saint’s identity—possibly St. Jerome or another scholarly figure from Christian lore. The display includes panels detailing its history and the restoration process.

The Duomo’s Fabbrica oversees conservation for the entire complex, including its 3,400 statues and 135 spires. Facing budget strains, such partnerships prove vital. Officials said they aim to expand the program, targeting more donors for the warehouse full of awaiting sculptures.

One recent adopter, a local bank, placed a restored angel statue in its lobby. That success spurred FNM’s participation. Mantia expects similar collaborations to proliferate, blending art preservation with everyday urban life.

For now, the Bearded Saint with Book stands sentinel at Piazzale Cadorna. Its relocation highlights Milan’s commitment to its artistic legacy, one adopted statue at a time.