Swarovski Foundation Restores Venice Landmark

The Swarovski Foundation announced it will restore the statue of St. George on top of the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. The statue crowns the dome of the church, which was designed by Italian architect Andrea Palladio. It is missing an arm and the surface has become rough over the centuries. Restoration work is scheduled to be completed on 23 April 2014 – St. George’s day. The restoration, which falls under the foundation’s mission to support creativity and culture, will help ensure that the 16th-century Basilica is preserved as one of the key examples of Palladian architecture in Venice. The Swarovski Foundation will work in close collaboration with the Benedictine monks of the Basilica. The foundation was set up by the crystal maker Swarovski. Nadja Swarovski, chairperson of the Swarovski Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said: “This is a truly inspirational project for the Swarovski Foundation. It is an honour to work with the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore to help preserve this glorious Palladian masterpiece for generations to come.” The Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore is hosting an art exhibition ‘Swarovski Perspectives’ by leading minimalist designer John Pawson. The largest Swarovski lens ever made – a 40 cm (15.7 inch) wide concave crystal meniscus made from optical-quality glass – is at the centre of the installation. The Swarovski Optik lens reflects and magnifies the beauty of the Basilica. Placed beneath the Basilica’s central cupola it provides visitors with architectural perspectives beyond the range of the naked eye, thereby inviting them to look at and appreciate Palladio’s design with fresh eyes. The exhibition runs until 24 November 2013.