Museo dell'Ara Pacis - Interior
Front of Grand Hall
The front of the Grand Hall, seen here, corresponds to the area that would, in ancient Rome, have been immediately to the west of the Ara Pacis, on the vast parade grounds of the Campus Martius. This ceremonial front area, to which the two processional friezes on the altar are directed, would have served as the gathering area for the sacrificial ceremonies. Because the ground level fell off slightly from east to west of the Ara Pacis, a set of stairs, seen here, was required to enter the ceremonial doorway.
Some critics have objected to the intrusion of banners in this space, seen in 2 photographs below, advertising the contemporary art exhibits in the lower level. In addition, the handsome opening in the floor as one enters the grand hall, previously connecting the spaces above and below and revealing the exemplary displays of Ara Pacis material in the level below, has been covered in order to make more space for the contemporary exhibits below.
A video recording of a portion of a stunning and highly appropriate performance with projection, in the grand hall in front of the Ara Pacis, is available on You Tube: “Creazione interdisciplinare di Anna Cuocolo su Carlo Broschi detto Farinelli, al Museo Ara Pacis, Roma”; Director and Choreographer Anna Cuocolo, Visual Director Paolo Miccichè, Costumes Alberto Sopiazzi.
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Looking from the introductory area past casts of potrait heads and the tall, vertical slab, to the grand hall. photo Oct. 2008
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The relatively dark, confined entry areas open to the sunlit space of the grand hall. photo Oct. 2008
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The enveloping space for the Ara Pacis is provided by 4 pillars supporting a spreading, double-coffered covering slab. photo Oct. 2008
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Looking west past the ceremonial stairs of the Ara Paics to people and cars along the Luungotevere in Augusta. The expansive window along this west side of the grand hall reaches close to the floor. Cf. photo directly below. photo Oct. 2008
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Ceremonial entrance front of the Ara Pacis. Generally known as the "west front", its approximate original orientation, but reconstructed in 1938 facing south as here. photo Oct. 2008
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Ceremonial front - original west front, with passage along original south side at right. Generous space provides views of the ceremonial front from different angles and distances, but views along the two sides are restricted. photo Oct. 2008
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Looking past corner of ceremonial front to expansive window along east mausoleum side of museum. Because the wall with Res Gestae inscription was retained from the 1938 pavilion, the window on this side of the grand hall does not reach close to the floor. Compare window on opposite side of the grand hall in photo above. photo Oct. 2008
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Banner advertizing contempory exhibition in lower level. Opening in floor, which previously united the grand hall with the exhibition space below, now unfortunately covered. photo May 2010
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Skylights have shades to filter light and, like the side windows, are soundproofed with thermal insulation. Ceiling has ducts for air control and lights to illuminate the Ara Pacis at night. photo Oct. 2008
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Looking back south, along the mausoleum side passageway, to the bookstore at left and information area with portrait heads at right. photo Oct. 2008 |
Looking south to museum entry areas, showing change in ceiling levels between entry areas and grand hall. photo May 2010
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Looking north; the double-coffered ceiling is deep to provide exceptional climate and sound control, electrical and other facilities. photo July 2008 |