How the Elite See Rome: Private Access to the Colosseum and Caravaggio
How the Elite See Rome
I followed Fulvio De Bonis, a master tourism fixer, as he navigated Rome's labyrinthine history for the ultra-wealthy. Through his company, Imago Artis, he arranges impossible requests like private Colosseum evenings and secret viewings of privately owned Caravaggio masterpieces. His phone acts as a magic wand, connecting him with curators and clerics to unlock doors that remain closed to ordinary visitors, revealing a city where money buys frictionless access to ancient wonders.
"Fulvio’s cellphone connects with curators and clerics, bellhops and grandees—the phone is his wand, enabling a seemingly frictionless glide through a labyrinthine city."
HN discussion
- Practitioners note that museums globally accept large sums for exclusive experiences because these funds directly support preservation efforts that public ticket sales cannot cover.
- Critics argue that workers accepting 2 AM shifts are often coerced by economic desperation rather than genuine choice, creating a dynamic of exploitation regardless of overtime pay.
- Private viewings for high-net-worth individuals serve a security function by preventing the chaos and safety risks associated with mega-celebrity visits during standard public hours.
- One commenter highlights a psychological distinction where being paid a small amount to perform a task feels like an insult, whereas high compensation allows the worker to maintain dignity despite resentment.
- Some suggest that the current model of elite access is preferable to the alternative, as wealthy tourists provide the necessary capital and reputation to keep institutions economically viable.