Rome's Palazzo Rivaldi to be restored, may host Torlonia Museum

An agreement between Italy's Ministry of Culture and the Lazio Region will restore Palazzo Silvestri-Rivaldi in Rome, with completion targeted before the 2025 Jubilee. The Ministry will allocate €40 million for restoration, while the Region will acquire the complex for €25 million from the Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione. The palace, owned by ASP ISMA, is located near the Imperial Fora and spans Via del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and Via del Tempio della Pace. The project includes conservative restoration of the medieval palace, annexes, archaeological excavations, courtyards, 17th-century fountains, and a lateral wing for the Fondazione Scuola del Patrimonio. The site may become the Museo Torlonia, housing the Torlonia collection of ancient marbles, which was partially exhibited recently after a decades-long absence. If not, other uses are possible. The agreement also involves social services: ISMA will use part of the funds to redevelop a 6,000 sqm facility on Via di Val Cannuta. The accord was signed by Minister Dario Franceschini, Lazio President Nicola Zingaretti, and ISMA President Enrico Gasbarra. Preparatory acts for a foundation and a feasibility study are due by January 2022.