The Circus Maximus was the largest chariot racing stadium ever built in the Roman world. When Rome was at its peak, the stadium could house some 250,000 rowdy fans, all of whom were there to cheer their favorite team to victory.
There’s no horses or chariots now, but from 7-11 September the Circus Maximus is home to an installation called “Massimo Silenzio” that’s being staged as part of Rome’s La Notte Bianca celebrations.
Ten thousand luminous orbs turn the ex-chariot racing stadium into a celestial sea of light. Their constantly changing colors effectively erase the dusty ground of the Circus Maximus and cause you to believe that sky and firmament have changed places and that the stars are much brighter than you might ever have imagined.
The brainchild of artist Giancarlo Nero, the installation was organized with the help of ENEL, Italy’s largest power company; Zetema, a cultural projects organization, and Hfilms.
Rome stayed up late last night with some two million people joining in this year’s edition of the La Notte Bianca celebrations. Streets in the city center became pedestrian thoroughfares, as revelers took in eye-opening art installations, spectacular stage performances, and museum exhibitions.
Golf aficionados were thrilled to find a mini course laid out on Tiber Island (above). Now that’s a water hazard! (If you’re interested in a bit of putt-putting, you can hit the links here until 16 September!).
A spellbinding whir of light and color played across Rome’s newly restored Palazzo delle Esposizioni (above) and visitors were treated to a preview of the building’s rehabbed interior, which will open to the public with a much awaited Mark Rothko exhibition on 4 October.
Crowds gathered to see artist Livia Cannella trick out the post office building on Piazza San Silvestro (above). The otherwise majestic and subdued building pulsed and glowed to the strains of music composed by David Monacchi.
For those more interested in taking care of body than mind, a “pimp my hair” stage was found in Piazza Santi Apostoli, where a cadre of fast and furious stylists worked free miracles on willing subjects as the audience sat watching in rapt attention (above).
Those who hadn’t yet taken in the spectacular Valentino retrospective at the Ara Pacis Museum queued up politely waiting for their to pay homage to the emperor of haute couture.
Finally, those suffering from the fatigue – whether of mind or body – were welcomed into a loungey green labyrinth in Piazza Capranica. Designed by the architects of Studio 2 A+P, the plywood-boxed garden installation was called “I Love Green” and offered a place to rest for a bit while enjoying the soft smell of green green grass.
