To Some Dismay, Italy Enlists Donors to Repair Monuments

A restoration of the Colosseum in Rome has been financed by the Italian luxury group Tod's, one of several corporations funding renovations of public antiquities in Italy. CreditPaolo Marchetti for The New York Times

Since early July, workers have been carefully unscrewing the steel scaffolding that for months has obscured much of the ancient facade of the Colosseum. Slowly, this monolithic symbol of Rome is coming into view again after a 25 million euro ($34 million) refurbishment that underscores how Italy is coming to rely on private aid to preserve national treasures.

“Our doors are wide open for all the philanthropists and donors who want to tie their name to an Italian monument,” Italy’s culture minister, Dario Franceschini, said in a telephone interview. “We have a long list, as our heritage offers endless options, from small countryside churches to the Colosseum.

“Just pick.”

It is a message being heard across Rome. While the Italian luxury groupTod’s is financing the restoration of the Colosseum, not far away, the Trevi Fountain is being restored with $4 million from the fashion brand Fendi. Another luxury giant, Bulgari, is paying $2 million to spruce up the Spanish Steps....Continue Reading

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