Galleria Alberto Sordi Reopens in Rome with Robot-Carved Canova Replica

The historic Galleria Alberto Sordi in Rome reopened on January 23, 2024, after a year of renovations. Located on Via del Corso opposite Piazza Colonna, Palazzo Chigi, and Montecitorio, the gallery was originally inaugurated in 1922 as Galleria Colonna and renamed in 2009 after actor Alberto Sordi. The 10-million-euro restoration, funded by Fondo Megas and managed by Prelios SGR, removed glass entrances added in 2003, upgraded lighting, and refurbished shop windows. The gallery now features 15 commercial spaces (down from 27), with brands including Hamleys, Iginio Massari, Mondadori Bookstore, Uniqlo, and Havaianas. Food and beverage offerings include Ristorante Stendhal, Antica Focacceria San Francesco, and Rossopomodoro. To mark the reopening, a life-size reproduction of Antonio Canova's sculpture group "Amore e Psiche" is on display until February 23, 2024. The replica was carved by a robot from a 10-ton block of Carrara white marble, based on a 3D scan of the plaster model held at the Louvre. The gallery was designed by architect Dario Carbone and completed in 1922 as a commercial and office complex. It underwent previous restoration in 2003 and a new redevelopment project began in 2018.