Muscat: To commemorate the Italian Research Day globally, the Italian Embassy in Muscat, in partnership with the Scientific College of Design, organized a lecture titled “The Conservation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. ” The session was presented by Chiara Rostagno, the Deputy Director General of the “Grande Brera” museums.
The conservation and restoration of cultural heritage constitutes a long-standing area of collaboration between Italy and Oman, which serves as a cornerstone of their amicable cultural relations.
Before the lecture commenced, Director General Angelo Crespi provided an overview of the Grande Brera, a distinctive cultural entity that links three remarkable institutions located in Milan: the Pinacoteca di Brera, Palazzo Citterio, and the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense.
This event underscored the convergence of science, art, and cultural heritage. Additionally, attendees gained valuable insights into the intricate restoration methods implemented to safeguard one of the globe’s most celebrated masterpieces. The gathering also acted as a forum for cultural and academic exchange, mirroring the increasing collaboration between Italian and Omani entities focused on education, design, and heritage preservation.
The audience included students, faculty members, and art professionals, reflecting a collective dedication to advancing dialogue through cultural and research initiatives. Pierluigi D’Elia, Italy's Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, stated: “This gathering exemplifies the lasting significance of Italian innovation and research, as well as the robustness of our cultural connections with Oman. By collaborating with respected institutions like the Scientific College of Design, we are fostering genuine links between our countries. ”
Dr. Mona Ismail, Dean of the Scientific College of Design, remarked: “We take pride in partnering with the Italian Embassy for such an important initiative. This lecture enhances our students' academic experiences and underscores the necessity of safeguarding cultural heritage through innovation and global collaboration. ”
The event wrapped up with an engaging discussion, granting students and attendees a rare chance to interact directly with the experts. Both institutions affirmed their commitment to pursuing similar collaborations in the future, nurturing an atmosphere where art, science, and education blend to inspire future generations across different cultures.
During his stay in Muscat, Director General Crespi also engaged with Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary General of the National Museum, to explore potential avenues for cooperative efforts and met with the management team of the Bait Al Zubair foundation.
