Banca Popolare di Milano, since 1997 committed to supporting the restoration of the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore in Milan, he presented to the public what is universally considered the Sistine Chapel of Milan and Lombardy. In the presence of His Excellency Mons. Erminio De Scalzi and the Mayor of Milan, Honorable Giuliano Pisapia, Giuseppe Castagna and Dino Piero Giarda, respectively Managing Director and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BPM, illustrated the Church, the complexity of the interventions and motivated the strong will to participate in the enhancement of the artistic heritage of the city of Milan.
“The restoration project – declared Professor Giarda – stems from the recognition of the historical and artistic value, as well as cultural, which this marvelous treasure preserved within itself. The 4000 square meters of frescoes completely obscured by the wear and tear of time and neglect, returned to light, offer a show of colours, the most important testimony of Lombard painting of the 500th century. Our Bank recognizes interventions of this type as a way to create wealth, value and employment; as recently communicated by a Unioncamere study, in fact, 1 euro invested in culture produces 1,67 and culture produces 7% of the economy of Lombardy”.
The support of BPM, sole sponsor of the entire operation, has made it possible to return the Church to the city which will be able to continue to welcome citizens and tourists, in the year in which Milan hosts the Universal Exposition. Indeed, thanks to the work of the volunteers of the Italian Touring Club, who received the certificate of civic merit from the Municipality of Milan precisely for their commitment to enhancing the cultural heritage, San Maurizio has seen an exponential growth in attendance: in nine years 2005 people have visited the Church since 945.000.
On the 150th anniversary of its foundation, Banca Popolare di Milano wanted to make the restitution of the Church a symbol of proximity and roots in the territories of reference which have always been the pillars of its business. “BPM has 'adopted' this extraordinary monument of art – said Dr. Giuseppe Castagna – because it concretely represents the commitment that the Bank assumes with civil society by intervening in projects that also create economic value”.
