by Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi

If you have ever fantasised of having breakfast at Tiffany’s, that’s because you’ve missed the Eatalian Breakfast! Indeed if you wander through the deliciously drooling Eataly store in New York you will find that food not only nurtures the soul and body, but also the arts.

Oscar Farinetti has for instance decided to take action for the preservation of one of Italy’s most beloved and ancient cultural treasures: Il Duomo di Milano made its New York debut, with an exhibit of a curated collection of pinnacles, gargoyles, and statues temporarily extracted from the cathedral and a small reproduction of the “Madonnina” (small golden Madonna).

The exhibit, ‘Eataly per Duomo,’ includes a number of historically significant pieces. Among them: the stunning statue of Santa Lucia, an image of the Holy Virgin, and an assortment of architecturally unique gargoyles. The exhibit is being held in honour and celebration of Expo Milano 2015, which will be open to the public until May 1st, 2015. In this occasion also the established Italian journalist, Beppe Severgnini has expressed his support:

 Click on the picture below and have a look at the video with italian journalist Beppe Severgnini about the project:

The Duomo has been a focal point of world travellers for centuries, and continues to draw approximately 6 million visitors annually. Originally commissioned in 1386, the Duomo of Milan took over five centuries to complete, providing artful testament to history as well as a breadth of architectural styles.

As an Italian company in the U.S., Eataly strives to preserve its cultural heritage. This is why the company has decided to support the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano in their effort to launch and establish the fundraising organisation, International Patrons of Duomo di Milano Inc. (IPDM), and its campaign ‘Do You Duomo?’ at www.foritaly.org, which has the goal of completing the restoration of the Duomo and return the monument to its original glory by May 1st, the day when the Expo2015 will open its doors in Milan.

Milan’s Expo is expected to draw 20 million visitors during its six month run. Hence, Eataly New York announced that it is now an official ticket vendor for Expo and the company is the first official sponsor of the Duomo project. Oscar Farinetti expressed pride and gratitude for his company’s role in bringing this very special exhibit to Manhattan for New Yorkers to see, experience, and enjoy: “We, as Italians, all have a duty to preserve the legacy of our past by sharing it with the world,” he said. “This is our chance to ensure that one of the most acclaimed artistic remains will exist for our future generations. Culture, food, and art are our greatest resources to make this happen.”