Now clean, 'Door of Paradise' goes to Italy museum

ROME (AP) ? A gilded bronze door, so splendid it was dubbed the "Door of Paradise" by Michelangelo, will be seen again in Florence after 27 years of restoration to remove damage by pollution, vandalism and the wear and tear of centuries.

But Lorenzo Ghiberti's 15th-century door won't be going back in its place on the baptistry of Florence's duomo, or cathedral. Instead, starting in September, it will go on display in a Florence museum, Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, to preserve it from renewed damage.

Culture Minister Lorenzo Ornaghi announced the door's destiny at a news conference Thursday in Rome. The eight-ton door will be kept inside a museum display case. Two other baptistry doors also are under restoration and destined for the museum.

Associated Press

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