Proposal to Let Artists Redesign Trevi Fountain Coin Collection
The recent restoration of Rome's Trevi Fountain has sparked controversy, particularly over the installation of a temporary basin for collecting coins thrown by tourists. Critics, including the New York Post, argue the solution reduces the fountain's symbolic depth to institutional charity. Marco Bassan proposes an alternative: invite three contemporary artists to design an alternative collection device, with a commission comprising the municipality, museums, and superintendencies selecting the best project. He suggests the restoration could become an artistic act that integrates contemporary creativity with heritage conservation, transforming the coin toss into a conscious act of support for the city. The article appears on Artribune.
Key facts
- Trevi Fountain restoration has drawn criticism for installing a temporary coin collection basin.
- New York Post criticized the intervention as a missed opportunity for innovation.
- Marco Bassan proposes inviting three contemporary artists to design an alternative coin collection system.
- A commission of municipality, museums, and superintendencies would select the best project.
- Bassan argues the restoration should integrate contemporary art with heritage conservation.
- The coin toss tradition is described as a collective ritual of connection to Rome.
- The article is published on Artribune.
- Bassan is a contemporary art curator and founder of Spazio Taverna.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Bassan
Institutions
- Artribune
- New York Post
- Spazio Taverna
- MAECI
- Fondazione CDP
- CONAI
- Musei Capitolini
- Museo Nazionale Romano
- Parco Archeologico dell’Appia
- Roma Tre
Locations
- Rome
- Italy