The City Council of Valladolid has embarked on the restoration of the monumental sculpture 'Stage Set for a Film', popularly referred to as the 'Monument to Cinema'. This piece, created and installed by American artist Dennis Oppenheim in 1999, has become an iconic representation of the La Rubia neighbourhood and the city's commitment to cinema.
The restoration process, initiated by the Department of Education and Culture, has begun with on-site work following a review of the foundation's stability and necessary preliminary studies. SABBIA Conservación y Restauración S.L., the company awarded the contract, is currently erecting fencing and installing auxiliary means required for a comprehensive intervention aimed at restoring both the material integrity and aesthetic interpretation of the sculpture. This work is being carried out under the supervision of municipal technicians and with the approval of the artist's descendants.
Work commenced in September with data collection on the monument using an unmanned aerial system (drone). This technology has enabled the creation of complete photogrammetric documentation and the recording of the current state of conservation, minimising risks and avoiding contact with the sculpture's surfaces. It has also facilitated the development of a digital reference model for future conservation efforts, monitoring, and control.
The planned intervention will include the removal of dirt and organic and inorganic debris from the entire surface of the sculpture, as well as the disassembly of plastic panels to individually assess structural damage and allow for the cleaning and stabilisation of corrosion products on the metal structure. The renewal of the finishing paint will be based on prior tests assessing the degree of flaking and detachment of the existing coating.
