Villa Borghese's decay contradicts 'perfect and untouchable' narrative
Amid protests against a private-funded competition for the expansion of Galleria Borghese in Rome, an investigation reveals the park's severe neglect. Photos show abandoned Globe Theatre wreckage, polluted ponds, graffiti, litter, dilapidated buildings, and a degraded Galoppatoio. Associations like Italia Nostra have organized meetings chanting 'hands off Villa Borghese,' yet the park suffers from daily decay. The article argues that while development and decay are separate issues, the opposition's rhetoric of a 'perfect' and 'untouchable' area ignores the real need for care and improvement.
Key facts
- A private company donated a competition to Galleria Borghese for a possible expansion of exhibition spaces and services.
- Associations and committees protested the initiative before seeing the winning project.
- Italia Nostra organized meetings opposing the expansion.
- The park shows decay: Globe Theater wreckage, abandoned ponds, graffiti, litter, dilapidated buildings, degraded Galoppatoio.
- The article includes photos documenting the decay.
- The competition has no specific plan, designer, or guaranteed funding yet.
- The article argues that the park needs attention and improvements despite opposition rhetoric.
- The article was published on Artribune.
Entities
Institutions
- Galleria Borghese
- Italia Nostra
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Villa Borghese
- Galoppatoio