From February 7 to March 14, 2026 – for the entire period of the Olympic Games and five weeks after them – the Sala delle Asse (Hall of Boards) in the museum complex of the Sforza Castle will be open for tours, allowing visitors to ascend the 6-meter restoration scaffolding and closely examine the unfinished masterpiece of the great Renaissance master.
The fresco depicting a pergola with intertwined flowering branches was started by Leonardo in 1498 at the request of the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza. However, in 1499, after the capture of Milan by French troops, the work was left unfinished, and the duke and the artist were forced to flee.
The Sforza Castle was converted into military barracks, and the fresco was plastered over, forgotten for many centuries. The first traces of the original painting were discovered only at the end of the 19th century, with full uncovering occurring in the 20th century. However, later restoration work, which attempted to make the colors match the original, led scholars to perceive the fresco not as an authentic Leonardo, but as a "repainted fake."
The ongoing restoration, which has been underway for several years, utilizes advanced technologies to preserve the fragile tempera paint. Restorers employ Japanese rice paper and demineralized water to extract salts that have penetrated the walls and to gently clean the surface.
During the games, visitors will be able to ascend the impressive 20-foot (6-meter) scaffolding inside the Sala delle Asse hall and observe conservators working on the fresco. After the Olympic period concludes, access will be closed again for 18 months to complete the restoration, making this exhibition a unique opportunity to see the work process on the masterpiece.
During the games, visitors will be able to ascend the imposing 20-foot (6 meters) scaffolding inside the Sala delle Asse and observe conservators working on the fresco. After the Olympic period concludes, access will be closed again for 18 months to complete the restoration, making this viewing a unique opportunity to see the masterpiece's work process.