Palazzo Venezia opens as 'oasis' in central Rome

(ANSA) - Rome, June 15 - Italy's culture minister Dario Franceschini said Wednesday in visiting the garden of Palazzo Venezia that "it used to be a parking lot and now it is a spectacular place, a sort of oasis in the heart of Rome". The garden is open both during the day and in the evening to the public. Performances will be held beginning on June 20 and are seen as the first step towards to drawing greater appreciation for a museum that suffered too long due to its inks with the Fascist period.
    Of the four accesses to the historical building, the minister said among the palm trees and magnolias in bloom, "only one was open from Campidoglio and was used for those who work here, while the main entrance for the museum and exhibitions is the least practical for everyone and is on Via del Plebiscito". "The garden will now become a form of support for museum activities," he stressed, "and will include additional services including plans to build a restaurant that will look out over" the green area amid the city traffic. About 6 million euros were needed over a three-year period for the attempt to transform "Palazzo Venezia into Palazzo delle Arti". The museum contains extraordinary collections, Franceschini noted, "but it still bears the weight of history and ideology" despite the fact that it was built "well before the Fascist period". Though signs remain from the period - such as floors engraved with fasces - "I do not think this is a valid reason to destroy them". The latter were covered by heavy carpets for over 50 years, but the ones in those halls have been restored and can hear history to history. Palazzo Venezia is thus freed from the ghosts of the regime. The benches in the garden - which has lampposts and Wi-Fi - were supplied by the Spanish firm Benito, whose name is printed on top of them. Benito Mussolini made his rousing speeches to crowds from his balcony on Palazzo Venezia. "It is only the supplier's name," Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Venezia director Sonia Martone said. "It's simply a coincidence, and one that made me smile. I thought about taking it off, leaving thing as they are is also a way of wanting to experience the aura that hangs over Palazzo Venezia in a different manner." The makeover of the museum reflects Minister Franceschini's vision to "multiply destinations for cultural tourism". "Nearby," he noted, "is the Colosseum, which every year draws about six million visitors. Not even 50,000 visit Palazzo Venezia, however." On being appointed, new Lazio museums director Edith Gabrielli thus immediately set to work on the Renaissance building. "Palazzo Venezia will once again be fully useable," Gabrielli said. "The opening of the garden is only the beginning. Already today monumental apartments from the 15th century and many collections can be visited, while the bunkers will be accessible in the future as well." The garden will be open and able to be crossed through during the daytime and in the evening from June 20 to September 16 it will host "Il Giardino Ritrovato" ("The Rediscovered Garden"), which will include concerts, debates and musical performances in an area able to hold at least 300 people. "This place has reopened to a new life," Martone said.