While the Colosseum in Rome’s city centre may have been closed down for most of the year due to government mandates in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the historic attraction has big plans for the years to come—including a retractable floor that will act as a stage for future performances and shows.
The Roman structure that once hosted Rome’s gladiator shows is set to return to its original purpose: space, where visitors can attend concerts, theatre performances, and more right in the middle of the storied attraction just like it, did nearly 2,000 years ago when it was first built.
According to the BBC, the Italian government is currently looking for proposals from engineers to help build the retractable floor. Proposals are due by February 1, 2021, and the $22.5 million projects are set to be completed as soon as 2023.
Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini told the BBC in a statement :
“It will be a major technological intervention that will offer visitors the opportunity to, not only see the underground rooms... but also appreciate the beauty of the Colosseum while standing in the centre of the arena,”
While the Colosseum currently has no floor at all, it allows for visitors to see the underground tunnels and pulley systems that were used by the Roman gladiator shows. Thankfully, although the new retractable floor will certainly take away from the ancient charm of the structure, it will be just that… retractable; allowing visitors to still be able to view the exposed system from the former amphitheatre.
Courtesy: Forbes (Kaitlyn McInnis)