McDonald’s Fans Go Marbles Over Its Faux ‘Ancient’ Mosaic In Historic Rome Mall
Image via Tktktk / Pobedacen / Anatolii Savitskii | Dreamstime.com
When archaeologists dig up this site centuries from now, they might be surprised to find golden arches etched into marble. McDonald’s Italy is making passersby stop and stare with a dusty piece of art that weaves modern fast food into ancient aesthetics.
The installation, titled Enjoy the Classics, is a faux Roman mosaic featuring toga-clad figures indulging in burgers and fries, with the iconic McDonald’s logo incorporated into the design. Unveiled in the Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping mall, the graphic is portrayed as a recent archaeological find, complete with staged excavation elements. This attention-grabbing banquet scene is set to remain on show until June 7, 2025.
“Archaeological dig”, Rome pic.twitter.com/ikmFE4h7un
— John McCafferty (@jdmccafferty) May 31, 2025
Public reaction has been mixed. While some appreciate the humorous take on classical art forms, others criticize it for purportedly disparaging Roman historical culture.
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One social media user has gone so far as to describe the display as a “Roman crime scene,” while another lauds, “I want to hate it. But … I’m lovin’ it.”
ð‘ð‘’𑤠ð‘šð‘œð‘ ð‘Žð‘–ð‘ ð‘“ð‘œð‘¢ð‘›ð‘‘ ð‘–ð‘› ð‘…ð‘œð‘šð‘’?
— AnimaLunga™ (@GiuseppeTurrisi) May 31, 2025
“Enjoy the Classics” ~ art installation by @McDonalds
🛠Galleria Alberto Sordi@Turismoromaweb @Roma @RomaxilGiubileo @archivetro @Mustapha1508 @MinervaArmata @f_girasole @TrastevereRM @paoloigna1 @marie_nassar @KaceyKells pic.twitter.com/mTZpFZPmR2
This isn’t the first time McDonald’s has incorporated Roman history into its establishments. A notable example is the restaurant near the Spanish Steps, which features traditional-style mosaics and marble decor. Additionally, a McDonald’s in Marino, Italy, famously integrated a 2,000-year-old road into its restaurant design, allowing patrons to view the ancient artifact through a glass floor.
[via Wanted in Rome and Roma Today, images via various sources]
