I just purchased a new Florence guidebook that mentioned that David is scheduled for a cleaning from "Autumn 2002 through Autumn 2003." Does anyone know more about this? Will the statue be taken off of display or cleaned in place? Thanks!

I don't know but maybe while they're at it they can make David anatomically correct. Never could figure out why Jewish David isn't circumcised.

Esther,<BR> My wife and I are going to be in Florence in October. Only reason to go was to see the David & the Uffizi( sp?). I saw that story and had a heart attack ! Don't worry, they are cleaning David by rigging up a special "cherry picker" ( elevated work platform on wheels) that rolls out during the closed hours to clean David and rolls away, while it is open. <BR>Hope that helps !<BR><BR>David<BR>( No , not that one ;-)

It is all true.David will not be shown (I have already announced it, I think) for a few months while the statue undergoes some cleaning. you can still see the perfect copy of the statue in Piazza della Signoria.

the info I heard was the same as David's, that the cleaning is only being done at night allowing the marble David to receive visitors during the day.

Elaine:<BR><BR>I have contrasting informations on this subject. Some sources say that the statue will always be shown, some other say that it will be possible to the visitors to see it beoing cleaned, some other s say that it will be removed from its location for the cleaning up.

Hi.<BR><BR>David will NOT be removed from its usual place. The cleaning will take place where he stands and some of the cleaning MAY take place during ordinary visiting hours. Your appreciation of this marvel will not be diminished.<BR><BR>You're welcome.

There was an article in last week's Boston Globe (Wednesday, I believe) that said David would remain on display for the entire cleaning, and all the work would be done after hours. So never fear, David will be there. (I'm heading to Florence in March, so was much relieved to read this)<BR><BR>The article itself was very technical in describing the process, if you're at all interested in that sort of thing.

Thank you for the information, everyone! I'm headed to Florence in October and am very glad to know that we will be able to see David after all.