Via Crispi in Rome: A Cultural Street Abandoned to Decay

Via Francesco Crispi in Rome's historic center, home to Gagosian Gallery, Fondazione Nicola Del Roscio, and the Galleria Comunale d'Arte Moderna, is plagued by chaotic parking, trash, and inaccessible sidewalks. Despite its concentration of cultural institutions—including Gagosian (opened 2007 in a space designed by architect Foruz Galdo), the 700 sqm Fondazione Nicola Del Roscio, and the municipal modern art museum—the street lacks basic urban maintenance. Sidewalks are under 80 cm wide, often blocked by illegally parked cars in second and third rows, making pedestrian movement dangerous and impossible for disabled individuals. The stairs to the Galleria Comunale are inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Nearby Via Capo Le Case, home to Galleria Francesca Antonini, faces similar issues. While neighboring Via dei Due Macelli and Via del Tritone are being renovated with funds from the Rinascente shopping center, Via Crispi has been neglected. The author, Massimiliano Tonelli, calls for a simple project to widen sidewalks, remove illegal parking, and add street furniture, arguing that PNRR funds should address such absurdities. He urges Rome's new assessors for Urban Planning, Public Works, Culture, and Tourism to intervene.