A canvas inspired by the Fountain of Neptune and designed by artist Javier Mariscal will cover the capital’s emblematic monument during its restoration. This Monday, preparations for the work begin, which will begin in two weeks and last two months.
As assured by the mayor of Madrid José Luis Martinez-Almeida Last Friday, in statements to journalists, the capital “learned a lesson” from what happened at Puerta de Alcalá by not having acted for more than 30 years, causing pathologies that have prolonged both the duration and cost of the intervention, which reached three million. euros.
The company L’Oréal Groupe España has reached an agreement with Madrid City Hall so that, thanks to its sponsorship, the conservation program of the monument can be financed. The restoration of the Fountain of the Sea God, which popularly gives its name to the roundabout in which it is located and to the place where Atlético de Madrid supporters go to celebrate their victories, will cost between 150,000 and 200 000 euros.
“I think this is a good path for public-private collaboration to be able to complement the actions of the municipality with private companies that also demonstrate a commitment to the city,” as determined by Almeida.
This Monday, preparations begin for the start of this intervention which will last two months with the installation of scaffolding, as announced this Sunday by the delegate of Culture, Tourism and Sports of Madrid City Hall.
The canvas that will cover Neptune will be “an ephemeral work of art” by Javier Mariscalwhich will comply with the Historical Heritage Law which establishes that no more than 30 percent can be used for advertising purposes.
This agreement thus continues the promotion of the cultural heritage of the city and in particular the dissemination of the world heritage site Paseo del Prado and the Landscape of Arts and Sciences of Buen Retiro, known as the Landscape of Light.
Both parties share this objective of preserving cultural jewels. L’Oréal Group has already supported similar projects internationally and was one of the main donors to Notre-Dame Cathedral after the fire that devastated it in 2019.
