The Pyramid Cestia is a Roman funerary monument located in Rome, built between 18 and 12 BC for Caius Cestius Epulon, a member of the College of Septemviri. The pyramid, about 36 meters high with a square base 30 meters on each side, is made of concrete covered with marble, reflecting the influence of Egyptian architecture after the Roman conquest of Egypt.
The burial chamber, covered by barrel vaults and originally decorated with frescoes, is now largely bare due to time and break-ins. The pyramid can only be visited by guided tours by reservation, but from September 20 to 22, 2024 it will open for the first time for contemporary art.
The event, reported by Artribune.com, is curated by Diana Carta and promoted by Sala 1 in collaboration with the Soprintendenza Speciale Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio of Rome. It is made possible by three artists, Fabrizio Crisafulli, Uemon Ikeda and Melissa Lohman.
The artistic interventions are as follows:
- outside the Pyramid, Ikeda created a suspended spider web of red threads in the garden, transforming it into a symbolic passage site of the Acheron, thus preparing the audience for entry into the Pyramid
- inside the burial chamber, Crisafulli has created an installation that integrates with the environment without altering its historical features. His work aims to stitch together the fragments of the past into a new contemplative vision of the place, using light to transform the space into an area of imagination
- In the interior cell, Lohman uses his own body as an integral part of the environment. His movement in the semi-darkness creates a feeling of essential lightness, transforming his body into a medium between earthly and surreal dimensions
This art project not only enriches visitors’ experience but also represents a dialogue between contemporary art and a historic site generally closed to the public.
How to book
Here is information regarding the event at the Pyramid Cestia:
- Meeting: Piramide Cestia, Via Raffaele Persichetti, in front of the gate
- Admission: Free
- Reservation required: progettopiramideroma@gmail.com. In the e-mail, indicate name, number of participants, date and desired round of admission
- Admission Shifts:
- September 20: 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.
- September 21/22: 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm