Ancient Roman City of Pula Illuminated by Contemporary Light Art

A 2,000‑year‑old Roman city is being reimagined this summer through a series of contemporary light‑art installations that illuminate its ancient streets, forums and amphitheaters after dark. The project, organized by the regional heritage department in partnership with an international collective of visual artists, began on June 15 and will run for six weeks, inviting both residents and visitors to experience the historic site in a new visual language.

The installations employ projection mapping, LED sculptures and interactive displays that trace the city’s original urban layout while highlighting architectural details that have survived millennia. Artists from Europe, North America and the Middle East were selected through an open call, and each piece is designed to respect the archaeological integrity of the ruins, with equipment mounted on temporary, non‑invasive structures. The initiative aims to boost cultural tourism, with local authorities estimating an influx of up to 150,000 attendees and a corresponding rise in hotel occupancy and related commerce. Educational programs accompanying the exhibition include guided night tours and workshops for school groups, emphasizing the continuity between ancient Roman engineering and modern creative technologies.

Organizers expect the light‑art transformation to raise public awareness of the city’s historical significance while demonstrating how contemporary art can engage with heritage sites responsibly. The event will conclude on July 31, after which the installations will be dismantled, leaving the illuminated memories as a temporary yet impactful dialogue between past and present.