The project to salvage the enormous basement area of the Complex, begun in 1998 for technical demands (remaking of the previously installed, and by now very old systems: sewage, gas, electric, and hydraulic), made it evident from the very beginning phases how such an environment could reveal itself as quite charming after restoration. So much so as to be included in an expository itinerary of this extensive and extraordinarily articulated undertaking.

Furthermore, the desire to reconstruct the entire Complex (the Basilica, Laurentian Library, and the Medici Chapels), is shared by all of the interested agencies.

Therefore, in the last few years, the Opera Medicea Laurenziana’s interventions (which until then were carried out according to the circumstances of the moment) were organized into a systematic plan. This plan included the gradual realization of a complete recovery of the monument as well as the creation of a unique expository itinerary of the Basilica and the adjoining monuments, such as the Laurentian Library and the Medici Chapels.

While working on salvaging the rooms, recovery and restoration of furnishings and works of artworked hand in hand. These objects, of such quality and quantity as to require an extensive enlargement of the expository areas, were procured from the excavated basement and other rooms of the Complex, conserved in storerooms or scattered elsewhere. An incredible yet unexpected discovery was that of a large amount of ceramic and terracotta fragments. These fragments were found in wells and cisterns filled with debris, but their style and designs are dated from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Some of the pieces have already been reassembled, revealing pieces such as plates, cups, and pitchers of high artisticand historical value.

The general project foresees, after its initial opening to the public of new exposition areas, the preparation of other rooms for the expositions of drawings, projects, and models relative to the Laurentian Complex. Included would be photographs, videos, and reconstructions (real and virtual) of the “secret” parts of the Complex. These are the areas, that because of their locations, will never be made accessible to the public (lanterns of the domes, attics, exterior walkways along the roofs, etc.) but which offer unusual yet impressive views from the Complex of the city.

Also foreseen, finally, are additional services for the visitors’ comfort. These include restrooms, rest and refreshment areas, a bookshop, multimedia centers, and more.

The complete realization of the general project, which will donate, not only to Florence, but the world, an extraordinary new attraction, depends on available funds from various organizations. These include the Opera Medicea Laurenziana, the Italian State, and contributions from sponsors. The goal is for the project to be completed by the end of 2007, when the Opera Medicea Laurenziana will celebrate its one hundredth birthday.

Restoration of the underground perimetral walkways beneath the two cloisters, of some large underground rooms (more than 40 available), and of Cosimo il Vecchio’s tomb (work of Verrocchio) has been completed. Still ongoing, however, is the restoration and imminent opening to the public of the Chapel of the SS. Sacrament beneath the Old Sacristy, which already constitutes the first nucleus of the Museum of S.Lorenzo's Treausure, and the Chapel of the Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis, below the New Sacristy. These attractions are destined to welcome the first nucleus of the new “Museo dell’Opera Medicea Laurenziana” for the exhibition of objects and furniture of prestigious artistic value, which for the time being are conserved in inaccessible warehouses or dispersed elsewhere.

Other ongoing and forthcoming restoration projects :

1. Elimination of architectural obstacles for the disabled with
   a. installation of a stairlift for admittance of the disabled to the underground monuments (tombs of Cosmo il Vecchio and Dontatello, first nucleus of the Museum, and bookshop)
   b. installation of an elevator for admittance of the disabled to the New Sacristy and Chapel of the Princes
   c. installation of platforms for admittance of the disabled to the Basilica and the Old Sacristy
   d. plan for the realization of an elevator and an entrance for the disabled to the Laurentian Library
2. Salvaging of the basement areas, with the continuation of restoration of the underground rooms, for its eventual opening to the public and additional services for visitors (multimedia centers, restrooms, coffee shop, etc.)
3. Reassembly and restoration of the ceramics and terracotta discovered in the wells and cisterns
4. Inventory and restoration of furnishings, fabrics, and works of art kept in the storerooms and recovery of missing pertinent objects belonging to the Laurentian Complex, in differerent locations throughout the city
5. Designing and realization of appropriate exposition showcases
6. Restoration (about to be ultimated) of paintings in the side chapels of the Basilica
7. “The Medici Project” for the exhumation of the Medici corpses, anatomical study of the remains, and exhibition of their funeral outfits discovered in the tombs (these included clothing, jewels, personal weapons, and accessories)
8. Restoration (ongoing) of the windows in Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library
9. Investigations and excavations for finding the archeological remains beneath the present Complex. Traces of the first church of San Lorenzo, founded in 393A.D. and the late Medieval Basilica (11th century) can still be seen among the Roman and Medieval foundations.
10. Urgent protection projects, planned but not feasible in brief time periods without adequate financing. For example, the restoration and reinforcement of the exterior areas (in particular, the crumbling stone surfaces), window cornices, moulding and the cornices and entablatures of the domes, the Basilica, and the 18th century bell tower .