Second phase of Mausoleum of Augustus restoration begins with €6.5M from TIM Foundation

The second phase of the restoration of the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome has commenced, funded by €4.2 million in public funds and €6.5 million from the TIM Foundation. The project aims to restore visibility and accessibility to the largest known circular tomb, with a diameter of 87 meters, located in the northern Campo Marzio between Via del Corso and the Ara Pacis. The external area will be redeveloped with lighting, fire safety, security, and video surveillance systems, along with exhibition furnishings. A permanent installation of approximately 300 linear meters will display the history of Augustus and the funerary monument through lenticular panels and five hollow masks of Augustus's face. A soundtrack from the Auditorium Augusteo will play, and 55 multicolored LED lights will illuminate the mausoleum from dusk. The first phase began in November 2016, focusing on external restoration and safety. The project has faced delays since a 2007 competition won by Francesco Cellini, with bureaucratic hurdles and funding issues. In August 2014, a broken Acea pipe flooded the moat during celebrations, causing scandal. The restoration is split into two blocks: the Sovrintendenza Capitolina handles the monument restoration, while the Urban Planning Department oversees the piazza redesign, leading to coordination challenges. Completion was initially expected in 2017, then 2019, but remains uncertain.