A spectacular 3D replica of Michelangelo’s world-famous David sculpture has been installed at the centre of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai – a cultural highlight of the next World Expo and an exciting addition to the UAE’s vibrant and thriving artistic scene.

The unveiling follows months of painstaking work by artists and innovators, which included 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 hours of finishing touches by hand.

It was revealed at a ceremony to mark the completion of the exterior of the Italy Pavilion, attended by Luigi Di Maio, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as well as His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai; Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth; and Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; as well as Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence; and Paolo Glisenti, Commissioner General of Italy at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Luigi Di Maio said: “Italy and the UAE have long enjoyed a close relationship, based on the solid foundations of shared visions and interests, including innovation and culture. As the hosts of the most recent World Expo in Milan, in 2015, Italy recognizes the significance of Expo 2020 as an important opportunity for cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and the formation of new and fruitful connections. We look forward to welcoming the world to the Italy Pavilion later this year, to enjoy an unprecedented journey through our country’s extraordinary past, present, and future.”

The David replica will be a highlight among the many rich and diverse cultural experiences that Expo 2020 and its 190-plus participating countries will showcase during the six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, and ingenuity.

Expo 2020 is scheduled to be a World Expo hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates,
Fri., Oct. 1, 2021 – Thu., Mar. 31, 2022