Worms, Termites Force Art Gallery Closing

Worms have forced the closure of Rome’s Borghese gallery, home to one of Italy’s finest art collections, the Culture Ministry said Sunday.

It said that wood-eating insects, including worms and termites, were gnawing their way through the frames of masterpieces by 17th-Century painter Caravaggio as well as priceless antique furniture.

The gallery, which also houses marble and stone sculptures by Caravaggio’s contemporary, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, will be closed from Sept. 26 to Oct. 10 for extermination.