Colosseum Arena Project: Monuments Can and Must Transform

The construction of a new arena for the Colosseum in Rome continues despite criticism. Fabrizio Federici argues that the term 'monument' is ambiguous: statues are immutable, but architectural monuments like the Colosseum can acquire new functions without losing their monumental status. The restored arena could host performances, conferences, and concerts while remaining a monument. The ultimate goal is to return the Colosseum to a free public space, as it was for centuries, with ticketed access only for the upper structures and underground areas. This would represent a major step toward the social reintegration of ancient heritage.