Prior to the renovation works on the first floor of the historic building, it is necessary to preserve the decoration of the Garden Galleries and the Lapidarium. Its condition, according to expert evaluation and research carried out, is unfortunately very poor, or even locally threatening its existence. Securing and preservation is required first of all by the polychrome stucco decorations with unstable construction elements, some of which have fallen away due to the corrosion of the handles. Also necessary is the preservation of frescoes by Michelangelo Palloni, a well-known Florentine artist. They are an example of top-notch art, and unfortunately, they have a significantly weakened structure of plaster and painted layers with varying levels of damage. Only immediate intervention can preserve these unique historical compositions. It is worth pointing out that the planned work in this area is the second state of the conservation work already started. Studies of the gallery decorations, carried out since 2005, have allowed researchers to obtain relevant information and construct a programme to protect them from further destruction, as well as a broader programme of restoration.
The framework of the task will also include securing the ceiling decorations, including by propping them, which is intended to prevent damage to them during the renovation of the upper storeys. The museum is also planning a comprehensive replacement of damaged windows located in the galleries on the ground floor of the palace, so the protection of the stucco and frescoes is essential.
The first stage of work in the Garden Galleries and the Lapidarium will therefore begin with the conservation, documentation and securing of ceiling and moulding decorations. The cracked and delaminated surface of the frescoes is covered with non-original layers, resulting from repeated renovations carried out after World War II. The surfaces of the sculpture and stucco elements are covered with non-original layers of paint. Currently, the mortars and stuccos, as well as their restorations and constructions are significantly weakened, cracked, with visible delamination of paint. The determination of the level of stratification of secondary and original layers and the extent of damage will only be possible during the conservation work. After the completion of this stage and the securing of the decorations, the modernisation and renovation of the rooms on the first floor of the palace will begin.
