Luxottica Group is donating 1.7 million euros, or $1.86 million at current exchange rate, to restore the Accademia Bridge in Venice. Built in 1932, it is the only wooden bridge crossing the Grand Canal and one of the city’s symbols, leading to the Accademia Gallery.
“Luxottica is proud to participate in the realization of this important project, which will return to the Venetians and all tourists a city landmark in its original beauty,” said Luxottica’s chairman Leonardo Del Vecchio. “Today we are a global company, but our roots are in the Veneto region where it all started. This donation is a gesture of affection for Venice and for our homeland.”
Luigi Francavilla, deputy chairman of the Italian eyewear group, said the donation was a “tangible sign” of Luxottica’s “commitment to the social, cultural and economic life of the Venetian community.”
Luxottica, which produces eyewear for brands ranging from Giorgio Armani to Burberry and Prada, is located in Agordo, near Belluno in the Veneto region.