The immersive exhibition Diego Eternal in Buenos Aires celebrates the legendary legacy of Maradona, showcasing his iconic achievements, personal moments, and lasting impact on Argentina. Combining holograms with augmented reality, this unique tribute invites visitors to explore the universe of the "God of Football" until January 31.
Argentina’s admiration for Maradona remains unwavering. Ahead of the trial in March concerning the circumstances of his death, the immersive exhibition Diego Eternal opened its doors this week in Buenos Aires. This initiative is also tied to the creation of a memorial that will serve as the final resting place for Maradona's remains. The exhibition not only revisits his life and career but also underscores his unparalleled influence on Argentina and the global football community.
“The greatest of them all. His glory, his passion, his setbacks, and his comebacks (…) The essence of Maradona captured in its rawest form,” states the exhibition, which offers visitors a journey into the world of the icon, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60. To this day, Maradona remains an irreplaceable figure in the hearts of Argentinians.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a holographic representation of Maradona, accompanied by his voice. Spread across 800 square meters, the exhibition features an array of symbolic items: trophies, jerseys, balls, and photographs. One of its highlights is an augmented reality experience that recreates Maradona’s legendary “Goal of the Century” against England during the 1986 World Cup, offering a view from his perspective. Visitors can also explore a life-size recreation of the Argentine team’s locker room from the final match and even a partial reconstruction of Maradona’s childhood home in the working-class neighborhood of Villa Fiorito.
"Being in this exhibition feels like being with Diego," said Daniel Arcucci, Maradona’s biographer, in a statement to AFP. Upon exiting, he added, "If there’s one man who achieved eternity, it’s Maradona. He continues to live on and speak to us."
The exhibition Diego Eternal will remain open until January 31. After that, Maradona is set to return to the headlines, albeit under more somber circumstances. On March 11, a trial will begin to investigate potential negligence in the events surrounding his death. Seven medical professionals, including a neurosurgeon, his personal physician, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a head nurse, and two additional nurses, are set to face trial. Maradona died in November 2020 from cardiac arrest while recovering at a medical residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, following brain surgery for a hematoma.
Simultaneously, plans are underway for a memorial, named Memorial M10, which is set to open in 2025 in the tourist hub of Buenos Aires. This homage is designed to attract approximately one million visitors annually, cementing Maradona’s memory as a cultural and national icon. In October, Maradona’s children announced the creation of the Maradona Foundation, which is organizing this exhibition and overseeing the future memorial. Their goal is to bring their father “closer to the love of the people” and fulfill the wishes of those wanting to pay their respects.
In a recent judicial decision, permission was granted for Maradona’s remains, currently interred in a private cemetery 35 kilometers from Buenos Aires, to be transferred to the memorial. This symbolic location will provide Argentinians and tourists alike with a dedicated space to honor the everlasting legacy of the football legend.
With AFP
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