In 2003, Massa Marittima awarded Igor Mitoraj honorary citizenship during an exhibition of sculptures created by the Polish master in Piazza Garibaldi, at the foot of the Duomo. The bond of friendship between the artist and the city had already been forged in 2000, when Mitoraj designed the Palio for the summer edition of the Balestro del Girifalco. Two years later, the city hosted an open-air exhibition of his sculptures featuring angels and tormented faces, while the Archaeological Museum showcased costumes, jewelry, and sketches he had created for the Manon Lescaut at the Puccini Festival. As a token of gratitude, Mitoraj donated the bronze sculpture Icarus to the city, which now stands in the atrium of the Town Hall. In 2008, the artist returned to Massa Marittima for the exhibition Ferro, a collection of sculptures, drawings, and sketches, displayed at the Palazzo dell’Abbondanza. During the opening, Mitoraj told the large crowd: “I thank you all… after all, I am at home here.” (Photo courtesy of the web)
