How the Elite See Rome: Private Access to the Colosseum and Caravaggio
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.
- khurs
Isn't this the case globally and not just Rome?
It's a business decision, if the rich person wants to pay and its more profitable than the alternative and/or may get massive press or social exposure than it may get a yes.
If a mega-celebrity wants to visit the Louvre, the Louvre (and French police) don't want the headache of it getting leaked on social media and thousands of fanatical Stans turning up as a mob, so safer to arrange a private viewing.
London museums as an example are routinely strategically sponsored by companies and individual with bad reputations.Example https://cultureunstained.org/2025/11/18/british-museum-drops... and Saudi Arabia has been whitewashing the killing of the journalist via bankrolling Sports.
- Almondsetat
Tourism has to be managed. Most istitutions can't, or can in a relatively limited manner. Rich people provide both the money and the reputation to allow them to have profitable private tours without risking too much. There is no real reason why a museum can't be open at 2 A.M., it's just that it's economically impossible, unless someone pays enough money. There is no real reason why a small church painted by Giotto can't be opened to the public, but managing all the people and making sure they don't damage stuff is a nightmare, unless the people entering have a verifiable reputation.
- illliillll
I sell these, have done many.
Basically just about any museum (or similar) in the world is happy to accept large sums of money from rich people in exchange for exclusive experiences. This helps fund the museums and everyone wins.
- artisinal
Rome has always been a city for the elite. Current day Rome is more accessible than ever for the commoners.
If rich people pay money for private access and part of that money ends up being used for preservation: Good.
- rwmj
As an aside I once went on a tour of the museums of Amsterdam with an expert guide (paid for by the company I was visiting). It was fantastic! A completely different experience from being a regular tourist. I learned far more about Amsterdam and the art than I could possibly have done on my own.