Nico Vascellari's Roman Treasure Hunt Blends Ancient and Contemporary
Nico Vascellari is running a daily treasure hunt across Rome as part of his contemporary art project called 'Par tibi, Roma, nihil,' which will last from April until September 18. This six-month initiative is supported by several organizations, including the Soprintendenza Speciale for the Colosseum and central archaeological area of Rome, Fondazione Romaeuropa, Nomas Foundation, and Electa. Every day at noon, Vascellari takes an object from the Roman Forum—like a piece of grass, a dead insect, or a scrap of paper—and hides it somewhere in the city. He posts the new hiding spot on his social media, and whoever finds it by midnight gets to keep it as a verified artwork. Some past locations include Centrale Montemartini and the Keats-Shelley Memorial.
Key facts
- Nico Vascellari is performing a daily treasure hunt in Rome.
- The project is part of 'Par tibi, Roma, nihil', running from April to September 18.
- Each day, Vascellari removes an object from the Roman Forum and hides it elsewhere.
- The hiding place is announced at noon on Facebook and Instagram.
- Finders have until midnight to retrieve the object and claim it as an artwork.
- Objects include a blade of grass, dead insect, or piece of paper.
- Past hiding locations include Centrale Montemartini, Cimitero Acattolico, Museo Macro, and more.
- The project is promoted by Soprintendenza Speciale per il Colosseo, Fondazione Romaeuropa, Nomas Foundation, and Electa.
Entities
Artists
- Nico Vascellari
- Ugo Rondinone
Institutions
- Soprintendenza Speciale per il Colosseo e l’area centrale archeologica di Roma
- Fondazione Romaeuropa
- Nomas Foundation
- Electa
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Roman Forum
- Centrale Montemartini
- Cimitero Acattolico
- Monument to the Humble Hero
- Museo Macro
- Crypt of the Capuchins
- Garibaldi Monument