Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Restores Iconic Bull Mosaic in Octagon Milan, Italy

In Milan, even superstition needs restoration.

The famous bull mosaic at the centre of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II ’s Octagon is undergoing conservation work after years of wear caused by one of the city’s best-known rituals: spinning on one heel over the bull’s most delicate point for good luck.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as “il salotto di Milano” (Milan's living room), is one of the city's oldest and most famous landmarks and shopping destinations. Designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni in the late 19th century, the covered arcade connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala and remains one of Milan’s most photographed passages, home to historic cafés, luxury boutiques and a constant flow of visitors.

At the centre of the Octagon, beneath the soaring glass dome, lies the mosaic coat of arms of Turin, represented by a rampant bull on a blue background. Turin was the capital of Italy at the time construction began, and King Vittorio Emanuele II himself laid the foundation stone of the Galleria in 1865.

Over time, however, the bull has become more than decoration. For generations, Milanese and visitors have placed one heel on the bull and turned around, a small act of superstition said to bring good luck and, according to some versions, a future return to Milan.

The problem is that luck leaves marks.

Thousands of visitors repeat the gesture every day, gradually wearing away the pink mosaic tiles. The result is a small crater in the spot where the ritual takes place. The last restoration was carried out in September 2017, and the City of Milan has now decided it is time to return the mosaic to its original appearance.

Preliminary work began on Monday, May 25, 2026, with the manual preparation of new tiles based on the original design. A small worksite has been set up around the bull, allowing passersby to watch as an expert restorer carefully reassembles the damaged section of the mosaic.

The restoration involves removing the worn area to a depth of at least 2.5 centimetres, then consolidating, installing, grouting and smoothing the replacement tiles. Work is expected to continue through the weekend, until May 31, 2026.

City officials Emmanuel Conte, councillor for State Property, and Marco Granelli, councillor for Public Works, described the Galleria as “a living heritage” that shows signs of wear precisely because it is loved and experienced every day. Their message is simple: Milan’s icons are not just preserved behind glass. They are walked on, photographed, admired and, in this case, spun upon.

The bull will soon be back in place, polished and restored, ready for the next wave of visitors seeking a little Milanese luck.

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