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Fondazione TIM's €8M Restoration of Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

On March 1, 2021, the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome reopened its doors after a closure that began in 2007. This revival followed an €8 million restoration, financed by Fondazione TIM, which entered into an agreement with Roma Capitale in 2015. The initiative allocated €6 million for the restoration work and €2 million for multimedia upgrades. A 300-meter visual display recounts the life of Augustus, enhanced by LED lighting at night. An acclaimed interactive website showcases 3D visuals. Mark Zuckerberg experienced a VR tour alongside TIM CEO Luigi Gubitosi and President Salvatore Rossi. Constructed starting in 28 BC, this mausoleum is the largest circular tomb from ancient times, revealing 13,000 square meters of walls that preserve historical layers from different periods.

Key facts

  • Mausoleum of Augustus reopened March 1, 2021 after closure since 2007
  • Fondazione TIM donated €8 million total: €6M for restoration, €2M for multimedia
  • Agreement between Fondazione TIM and Roma Capitale signed in 2015
  • Permanent 300-meter installation on fencing with lenticular panels and music
  • Nighttime lighting with 55 LED fixtures in various colors
  • Interactive website won Corporate Art Awards, Site of the Day, Favourite Website Award, CSS Design Awards, Webby Awards
  • Mark Zuckerberg tested VR tour with TIM executives and Facebook Italy director
  • Mausoleum diameter is nearly 90 meters, preserved height 17 meters

Entities

Artists

  • Augustus
  • Mussolini
  • Francesco Cellini
  • Maria Vittoria MariniClarelli
  • Salvatore Rossi
  • Luca Josi
  • Valentina Muzi
  • Massimiliano Tonelli

Institutions

  • Fondazione TIM
  • Roma Capitale
  • TIM
  • Facebook
  • Oculus
  • Corporate Art Awards
  • Site of the Day
  • Favourite Website Award
  • CSS Design Awards
  • Webby Awards
  • Artribune
  • Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali
  • Mibact
  • Zètema Progetto Cultura
  • Bulgari Hotel

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Mausoleum of Augustus
  • Menlo Park
  • Tiber River
  • Mausoleo di Augusto
  • Piazza Augusto Imperatore

Sources