This is a really interesting article in the respect that its locals who are kicking up and fuss and quite rightly. However, as a tourist I have never really noticed this unless this is me and family walking around blindly. Perhaps tourists notice this more if they are staying for a short break, however, for those who are on a whistle stop day trip, such advertising hoardings maybe less noticeable. One would hope the local tourist chiefs see sense, especially if advertising gets in the way of enjoying the sights.

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This is a common sight in Amsterdam, at least when I visited there. While it’s certainly not ideal, it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Having said that, though, it is sad that it’s come to this to safe national treasures like this…

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ABSOLUTELY! I was stunned when I arrived in Venice in October! To see this huge ugly guy from a James Bond movie hanging over a stage where beautiful music was playing was very distressing. My friend who had never been to Venice before was also disappointed. It is a HUGE distraction and ugly. Now don’t even get me started on the “WRAP AROUND” on the Bridge of Sighs! Unbelieveable! I could not get a decent picture without having that stupid car or clouds in the picture. The topper is- I can’t even remember the NAME of the advertiser! This is not the way to go, I was very disappointed when I was there but fortunately for me I have been there before. There has to be a better way. How about those advertisers donating that money to the museums or having an exhibt sponsored by them? Much more effective I think.
I am in the travel business and I have been forewarning everyone about this situation-very sad. Thanks for letting me vent!
Carol

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I agree that it’s undesirable but it’s actually got nothing to do with the credit crunch. It’s been in the pipeline for years – I know this because in my other life, I write about media and advertising.

It’s only meant to be a temporary measure while they fix the buildings as a means of funding it – the alternative would be plain construction hoardings. Let’s hope they honour that.

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I seem to remember there being a big fuss in Milan as well because they were (and maybe still are?) restoring the Duomo and have ads along the side. H&M wanted to put an ad with Madonna up and the locals protested so much, I believe they weren’t allowed to. I think there were even rumors that restorations were being delayed at the “encouragement” of some so that the advertising could stay up longer. I remember years ago when these canvases were covered with replications of what the building underneath looked like, which seems a much more sensitive way to use the space. Times are changing I suppose!

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We have just returned from our 3rd visit to Venice, I stumbled across this site because I was looking to see how the credit crunch was affecting Venice as we could not believe how quiet it was compared to the last two stays. From a visitors perspective it was nice to have fewer tourists about, but the prices of everything have increased beyond control. I too was very disappointed about the advertising bill boards, particularly the one round the Bridge of Sighs.

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