what about I.M. Pei's pyramids at the Louvre?

so many people were wailing and gnashing their teeth - then when the dust finally settled, opinion was very favorable.

Since Venice is neither a museum nor is it's architecture all from one single period I don't see any issue with modern additions being built from time to time. I would not wish to see any existing historical buildings or structures demolished to make way for new ones (unless they were so seriously damaged/ falling down that they could not be restored). But to add to what is there, on occasion, after thought and planning, seems perfectly acceptable to me.

To suggest that Venice cannot change or that all new additions should be pastiches of former periods seems to me to view Venice only as a theme park.

I don't see how it will ruin anyone's first impression of Venice. I can't picture coming out of the train station and turning my gaze so far to the right (in the direction of Piazzale Roma) to even be able to see it. It's not like Santa Lucia itself lookd like anything other than the century in which IT was built.

I have arrived, and departed Venice both by train and by car (i.e., via Piazzale Roma) and I can't think of why any typical tourist would need to walk from one to the other - - but maybe I'm missing something.

Best wishes,

Rex