ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Former nightclub La Cage aux folles becomes contemporary art venue in Rome

exhibition · 2026-04-26

The historic structure located at Via Gregoriana 9 in Rome has been acquired by the Bibliotheca Hertziana. This building, which first opened its doors in 1911 as a private gallery by dealer Ludovico Spiridon, later became the venue for the nightclub La Cage aux folles during the 1980s. Before its transformation into a rare book library and an extension of the Max Planck Society research institute, it currently hosts the exhibition 'Chi entra esce. A Tribute to a Disappearing Building,' curated by Simon Würsten Marin. Featuring over twenty artists, including Vincenzo Agnetti and Louise Bourgeois, the exhibition runs until November 9 and includes performances, guided tours, and a roundtable. A publication with essays and documentation will follow, edited by Dario Cimorelli Editore.

Key facts

  • Building at Via Gregoriana 9 opened in 1911 as private gallery of Ludovico Spiridon
  • Later housed nightclub La Cage aux folles in the 1980s
  • Acquired by Bibliotheca Hertziana
  • Exhibition 'Chi entra esce. A Tribute to a Disappearing Building' curated by Simon Würsten Marin
  • Over twenty artists participate, including Louise Bourgeois and Rachel Whiteread
  • Many works are site-specific
  • Exhibition runs until November 9
  • Building will become a rare book library for Max Planck Society after restoration
  • Public program includes performances, guided tours, roundtable
  • Volume to be published by Dario Cimorelli Editore

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Bibliotheca Hertziana
  • Max Planck Society
  • Dario Cimorelli Editore
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Via Gregoriana 9

Sources