The Domus Aurea in Rome is open once again with a new feature following a 14-month hiatus after the coronavirus pandemic forced the 2,000-year-old palace’s shutdown.

Stefano Boeri Architetti helped welcome back the public with an improved ramp and new entryway featuring an exhibition titled “Raphael and the Domus Aurea: The Invention of the Grotesques.” The event will coincide with a show at the Scuderie del Quirinale observing the 500th anniversary of the death of the painter and architect.

Originally the replacement home of 1st-century ruler, Emperor Nero, the Domus came back into prominence during the High Renaissance in large part due to its display of ancient grottos filled with grotesques. The Roman paintings were noteworthy enough to attract visits from influential figures throughout Europe including luminaries like Michelangelo and the Marquis de Sade.

Now, with help from Boeri, the curious can once again be transported through the maze of frescoed galleries via an LED-lit walkway leading in from the new twin portal vestibule that fronts the parkside Colle Oppio entrance. The walkway culminates in an octagonal room and is composed of a galvanized sheet metal exterior structure lined with white resin that combines with the light effects to mask the overall obtrusiveness of the intervention.

Per the architect: “The project aims to offer the city of Rome and all visitors permanent, new, and easily accessible access to one of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures of the country.”