Ara Pacis Dampened by Leaky Roof

News November 25, 2013

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Ara Pacis Rom
(Manfred Heyde, via Wikimedia Commons)

ROME, ITALY—A leaky roof and heavy rains have led to unwanted water in the museum housing the Ara Pacis, dedicated in 9 B.C. to the Roman goddess of peace after Augustus’ victorious return to Rome. Staff members used buckets to remove water from the top of the altar and cloths and vacuum cleaners to dry the floors. They then covered the monument with tarpaulins to protect it. The controversial museum was designed by American architect Richard Meier and opened in 2006. A lack of maintenance has been blamed for the leaks.

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