This Amphitheatre Was Brought To You By…
I wrote recently about the renovation of the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Across Rome, another world famous landmark is due for the mother of all clean-ups: the Colosseum.
As well as a thorough refurbishment, the Italian government wants to add additional facilities and make the Colosseum a much more satisfying visitor experience.
“The one problem with all these ambitions is money,” says the BBC’s Rome correspondent, Duncan Kennedy. “In these austere times, the government does not have enough of it to do the job. So it’s turning to private business to come up with some of the cash to help. Yes, the Colosseum is to be sponsored.”
Mario Resca, the head of Italy’s museums and heritage, used to run McDonald’s operations across Europe, so he’s familiar with the world of commercialism. “There’s no problem in bringing in private money, as long as it’s done responsibly,” he says.
But sponsoring the Colosseum has raised concerns about how it can be done tastefully. “We already see that much of central Rome is beginning to look like Times Square,” says Darius Arya, from the American Institute for Roman Culture. “It can be overwhelming to see some of the advertising hoardings on existing classical buildings.”
The Colosseum is one of the most widely known buildings in the world,” says Mr Arya. “They have to get it right.”
- The Colosseum is currently running tours at night – between 9pm and midnight. They’re on Saturdays until October 2nd.
by Andy Moreton
Luxique offers a selection of luxury hotels in Rome and a handy city guide.
The only modernization that should be done is installing a zoo for all those stray cats.
Comment by The Jetpacker — September 20, 2010 @ 10:16 pm
I saw a “for sale” sign on the St. Peter’s Cathedral.
Pingback by Robbin — September 21, 2010 @ 2:55 am
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Comment by nursing school student — September 21, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
My grandma is getting old and needs a new hip. I wonder if I can sell sponsorship on her back!
Comment by Barb Jackson — September 22, 2010 @ 4:58 am
Your articles are very inspiring indeed. I keep coming back! There are so many things I agree on. I hope we can exhange ideas in the future.
Comment by Frederic Oelze — October 3, 2010 @ 2:46 am
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Comment by videos divertidos — October 31, 2010 @ 8:52 pm
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Comment by James Z Despain — December 29, 2010 @ 10:36 pm