Italy brings Michelangelo's 'David-Apollo' to DC

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Italy's foreign minister is opening a yearlong celebration of Italian culture in 30 U.S. cities with a rare display of Michelangelo's "David-Apollo" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant' Agata will help unveil the sculpture Wednesday before it goes on view Thursday at the museum. The sculpture from the year 1530 is on loan from the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. It will only be shown in Washington.

The sculpture was last shown in the U.S. capital in 1949 when it drew nearly 800,000 visitors. It was also a centerpiece for those who attended President Harry Truman's inaugural reception at the gallery.

This time, it will be on view through March 3, 2013, to include crowds attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama.