Street art in Rome's Ostiense district transforms with new murals and urban regeneration
A significant mural created by street artist Blu, which has adorned the former barracks on Via del Porto Fluviale in Rome's Ostiense district since 2014, has been taken down through mutual consent. The barracks, which have been occupied since 2003, are currently undergoing a €13 million renovation funded by the PNRR, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, resulting in 54 public housing units and the revival of community activities. Blu's artwork championed the rights of the occupiers; its removal indicates a shift towards housing allocation for the community. The Ostiense district has experienced revitalization, including the 2018 ecological mural 'Hunting Pollution' by Yourban2030, and the 'DOTS. Connecting Ostiense' initiative, which features artists like Geometric Bang, Moneyless, and Alice Lotti, celebrating women's contributions to the area's history.
Key facts
- Blu's mural at Via del Porto Fluviale removed by mutual agreement after housing allocation achieved.
- Former barracks occupied in 2003 undergoing €13 million PNRR-funded renovation, completion by end of 2026.
- Renovation will provide 54 ERP housing units and restore community spaces.
- Europe's largest ecological mural 'Hunting Pollution' by Yourban2030 created in 2018, uses smog-absorbing paint.
- New project 'DOTS. Connecting Ostiense' funded by Brightstar, curated by Industrie Fluviali with LifeGate and Polimera.
- Artists Geometric Bang, Moneyless, and Alice Lotti created works honoring women's history in Ostiense.
- Geometric Bang's mural depicts women workers from Lavatoio Lanario, Saccheria Sonnino, and pecorino cheese society.
- Moneyless's asphalt art commemorates Telegrafiste, women hired during WWII.
- Alice Lotti's works feature Resistance women like Marisa Musu and historical landmarks.
Entities
Artists
- Blu
- Geometric Bang
- Mattia Botta
- Moneyless
- Teo Pirisi
- Alice Lotti
- Marisa Musu
Institutions
- Yourban2030
- Brightstar
- Industrie Fluviali
- LifeGate
- Polimera
- Municipio VIII
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Ostiense
- Via del Porto Fluviale
- Piramide Cestia
- Viale del Campo Boario
- Piazza Vittorio Bottego
- Via delle Conce
- Gazometro Ostiense
- ex Officina San Paolo
- Via del Commercio
- Non-Catholic Cemetery
- Aurelian Walls
- Monte dei Cocci