Aug 15, 2010

COLORING WITH LIGHT - Rome's Ara Pacis is more Kid-Friendly than ever!

Coloring + Ancient Monument + Awesome Lighting + Quick Tour= Happy, Engaged Children!
The Ara Pacis, now in color. (Musei in Commune)

Did you know ancient sculptures were often vibrantly colored? The all-white marble antiques we see today have just lost their colors over the centuries. Color really brought them to life, and the visual impact of rich hues appeals to children and makes it easier to understand what's going on in bas relief scenes, like those of the Ara Pacis. Some Romans even adorned their busts and statues with jewelry and colored, glass eyes.
(La Reppublica)
Kids will really appreciate this, because, let's face it, it's pretty cool to see a monument colored by a sophisticated light show. And having something to do at night is a welcome change from touring by day. RWK suggested you have dinner in the nearby Spanish Steps area, then walk over to the small museum. The quick trip will give you a big bang for your buck: happy, rested and fed children will delight in walking (sans beating sun) to a mini-light show. And since it only takes a few minute to visit, no-one will have a chance to become tired or bored! You'll end the night on a positive note.
Now until September 8, you can see Augustus' ancient Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) in full color, every Wednesday night, from 9pm to midnight.
The Ara Pacis is easy to find, on the bank of the river, west of the main street called Via Del Corso. 
Tickets are 8 euro per person; 6 euro for kids under 8 years of age.