By Jessica Delgado // Contributing News Writer
Have you ever thought about seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Well, there is no need to go all the way to Italy. You can view it on campus- for free.
The schools of Architecture and Engineering are giving UM students and the public the opportunity to view detailed, small-scale replicas of the tower and other famous Pisa buildings, as well as valuable sculptures. The exhibit, Pisa AD 1064- The Square of Miracles, is coming to Coral Gables from its sister city in the Tuscany region of Italy. The exhibit officially opened Saturday, and will continue through Friday, Feb. 26, at the Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center.
Also known as Cathedral Square, it is home to the buildings that made Pisa one of the key centers for medieval art in the world. The square is dominated by four religious structures: the Duomo, the largest Romanesque church in Tuscany; the Baptistery, the largest in Italy; Camposanto, a monumental cemetery that was the burial place of the upper class for centuries; and the Tower of Pisa, a freestanding bell tower behind cathedral that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World because it tilts about four degrees to the side.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for students to understand the monuments of Pisa, and to see how these buildings are being preserved and presented,” said Denis Hector, associate dean of the School of Architecture. “Our students will be studying the preservation aspects. What is interesting is that architects and engineers from the international commission will be there sharing their work.”
The idea for the exhibit came from the Opera della Primaziale Pisana, the Italian organization responsible for preserving and promoting the buildings. Last September, Opera officials came to Miami to look at possible sites to house the exhibit. They chose the grounds of the School of Architecture, in part because of some similarities to Cathedral Square in Pisa.
UM students say they are excited about the exhibit coming to campus.
“I am very proud of the people that are contributing to make this exhibit happen,” said architecture student William Adams. “I believe this type of event is the one we need in our School of Architecture.”
Carolyn White, manager of public relations and special projects at the School of Architecture agrees.
“It is probably one of the biggest and probably the most prestigious exhibitions we can have in the School of Architecture,” she said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Pisa AD 1064 The Square of Miracles: A Millennium of Culture
WHEN: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week through Friday, Feb. 26
WHERE: Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center, 1215 Dickinson Dr.
HOW MUCH: Free
Jessica Delgado may be contacted at jdelgado@themiamihurricane.com.