Rome's former Mint building protest: citizens rally against office conversion

In Rome's Esquilino district, a protest has been arranged against the transformation of the former Zecca di Stato (State Mint) into office spaces, abandoning its intended use as a cultural center. Initially, the building was meant to host a museum, library, and educational facility following an international design competition. However, the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), under the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), is now repurposing it for corporate offices, complete with cafeterias, parking, and meeting rooms. Scheduled for July 24, 2025, at 9 AM in front of the ex-Zecca, the protest is spearheaded by local committees and political groups. They are advocating for the revival of the original cultural project and greater community involvement in local decisions. This controversy arose after an investigation by Artribune prompted a parliamentary inquiry, with the MEF and IPZS deeming the initial plan financially unfeasible.