Milan city authorities have restored the testicles of a historic bull mosaic after they were worn down by tourists [1].
The restoration addresses the tension between preserving 19th-century [2] cultural heritage and the persistence of modern tourist rituals that physically degrade public art.
Located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the mosaic has become a focal point for visitors who believe in a specific ritual for prosperity [1]. According to reports, visitors perform three spins [1] on the bull's testicles to bring themselves good luck [3]. This repetitive physical contact over many years led to the erosion of the mosaic's surface.
City officials undertook the recent restoration in 2024 to ensure the artwork remains intact [1]. The mosaic is a significant piece of the gallery's architecture, dating back to the 19th century [2]. Because of the high volume of foot traffic in one of Milan's most famous shopping districts, the artwork is subject to constant wear.
This is not the first time the city has had to intervene to protect the piece. The mosaic was last restored in September 2017 [2] to address similar damage caused by the spinning tradition. Despite previous repairs, the popularity of the good luck ritual continued to outpace the durability of the materials.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II remains one of the most visited sites in Italy, where the intersection of commerce and art often leads to unique preservation challenges [1]. Authorities continue to monitor the site to prevent further deterioration of the historic tiles.
“Visitors perform three spins on the mosaic for good luck”
This recurring need for restoration highlights the challenge of 'interactive' tourism, where folklore-driven behaviors conflict with the physical preservation of historic sites. As global tourism increases, cities like Milan must balance the economic and cultural value of these traditions against the mounting costs of maintaining aging infrastructure.
