ROME — The Colosseum has emerged after its most extensive restoration, a multimillion-dollar cleaning to remove a patina of soot and grime from the ancient arena.
Footing the bill is Tod’s, a producer of shoes and luxury goods. Company founder Diego Della Valle responded to a government call to the private sector to help Italy care for its immense art and archaeological treasures.
And buoyed by the brighter look of the Colosseum’s restoration, which was officially unveiled Friday, Italy’s culture minister, Dario Franceschini, announced that $20 million has been found to replace, by the end of 2018, the arena’s long vanished floor with one that could support modern-day entertainment.