Michelangelo’s David, a symbol of Italian culture, faces commodification through souvenirs, prompting Galleria dell’Accademia’s director, Cecilie Hollberg, to defend its integrity. Legal battles invoking Italy’s cultural heritage code have ensued, yielding significant damages. This challenges traditional intellectual property norms, raising questions about institutional authority and freedom of expression. Critics argue against granting institutions perpetual copyright, fearing stifled creativity and commercial exploitation. Italy’s stringent cultural code clashes with EU directives on public domain rights. The debate extends beyond legalities to philosophical concerns about cultural patrimony and artistic freedom. The struggle underscores the delicate balance between preserving heritage and fostering creativity in the modern era.