Expo 2020 Dubai’s Italy Pavilion unveils five-metre 3D-printed Michelangelo’s David sculpture

A 3D replica of Michelangelo’s David sculpture has been installed at the centre of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The unveiling follows months of work, including 40 hours of digital scanning of the original 16th-century marble artwork in Florence; the creation of a three-dimensional digital model with a resolution of 146 thousandths of a millimetre; production by one of the world’s largest 3D printers; and finishing touches by hand.

It was revealed at a ceremony to mark the completion of the exterior of the Italy Pavilion.

During the ceremony, the pavilion’s three overturned hulls that form the country’s tricolour flag were also revealed.

Based on the theme ‘Beauty connects people’, the pavilion is located in Expo’s Opportunity district.

Luigi Di Maio, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said: “As the hosts of the most recent World Expo in Milan, in 2015, Italy recognises the significance of Expo 2020 as an important opportunity for cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and the formation of new and fruitful connections.”

Running from October 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai will showcase achievements in diverse fields including art, technology, engineering and sustainability.

“The original David has captivated the world for centuries and is an iconic symbol of the Renaissance, and of Italian culture, heritage and artisanship more widely,” said Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director general, Expo 2020 Dubai.

“As the region’s hub for arts and culture and with its own vibrant and dynamic artistic scene, the UAE is excited to welcome this most accurate and sophisticated replica of the masterpiece ever created and share it with millions of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai.”