The Opificio delle pietre dure (Workshop of Semi-Precious Stones) is an institute with special autonomy that carries out restoration of works of art, research, as well as training through a School of Higher Education and Study.
Established at the order of Ferdinando I de’ Medici in 1588, the Opificio converted, starting in the 19th century, manufacturing activities for the creation of works of art – including commissions of semi-precious stones – into activities of restoration, expanding its traditional expertise to other materials.
Following the catastrophic flood of November 1966 and the law establishing the Ministry of Cultural and Environmental Heritage in 1975, the Opificio and the Restoration Cabinet of the Superintendency of Fine Arts of Florence (established in 1932) were merged to create the current Institute, whose activities are divided into eleven areas of restoration and research identified based on the materials the works of art are made of.
The activities of the Opificio are divided between three locations: the historical site in Via degli Alfani 78, the Fortezza da Basso, and the Sala delle Bandiere in Palazzo Vecchio (Tapestry Workshop).
The Opificio is also home to the Museum of Artistic Production in Semi-Precious Stones, a scientific laboratory, a library, restoration archives, and a laboratory for Climatology and Preventive Conservation.
Many of the institute’s activities are carried out, both in the form of operational worksites and technical-scientific consulting, around the country and internationally.
The Opificio also publishes an annual journal (OPD Restauro), monograph series, and publications on specific restorations.
School of Higher Education
A school of higher education is connected to the Opificio, providing one 5-year degree track, which issues diplomas qualifying the recipient for the profession of Restorer of Cultural Heritage, equivalent to a Master’s degree.
Director
Dott.ssa Emanuela Daffra
Contacts
office: via degli Alfani 78, 50121 Florence; tel: +39 055.26511
office: viale F. Strozzi, 1 (Fortezza da Basso), 50129 Florence; tel: +39 055.46254
e-mail: opd@cultura.gov.it
certified email: mbac-opd@mailcert.beniculturali.it
website: http://www.opificiodellepietredure.it/
