The inauguration of the French Academy of Rome's restored Room of the Birds takes place at Villa Medici on 9 December.

The room forms part of the Pavilion of Ferdinando de' Medici, two halls constructed in the 16th century and decorated by Jacopo Zucchi from 1576 to 1577. The Room of the Birds, larger than the adjoining Aurora Room, depicts a leafy scene full of birds and animals, which serves today as a veritable encyclopedia of fauna and flora from that time.

The restoration team, led by expert Louis de Cesaris, has brought to light previously unseen scenes and details of vegetation and animals. The Room of the Birds underwent restoration in 1985 but its colours had since become dulled by humidity. The roof has been waterproofed and the walls sealed to prevent future damage.

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