An episode has just occurred at the Braidense National Library that raises more than one perplexity about the respect and protection of historical heritage. Founded in the eighteenth century at the behest of Maria Theresa of Austria, the Braidense holds a book heritage of inestimable value. A place created for consultation, study and preservation of collective memory, transformed into something quite different.
As seen on social media (except those of the Braidense Library itself, which has been careful to recondite posts and stories from the organizers), the historic rooms were reportedly occupied by fitness mats, weights and cosmetic products for a closed-numbered session of theTORCH’D workout, conceived by personal trainer and choreographer Isaac Boots, who led the event. The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Irene Forte Skincare brand, was presented on social media by Boots himself in enthusiastic tones, calling it “epic” and celebrating the library as an exceptional location.
The disseminated images tell a less uplifting reality: participants intent on training among ancient volumes, loud music, sweat and dynamic movements in a context that, by its nature, would require silence and controlled environmental conditions.
Supporters of the event would include The Carlton Milano hotel, where guests would stay before the workout. The facility is part of the Rocco Forte Friends group, whose CEO & Chairman is Rocco Forte, Irene Forte’s father, and Irene Forte is its Wellness Consultant.
To what extent is it acceptable to bend iconic cultural venues to private marketing or entertainment operations? And what message is conveyed when a space created to hold books and knowledge is temporarily converted into a gymnasium?
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| Fitness at the Braidense: the library becomes a gym for an event! |
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