18,000 Visitors in One Month: Bibliotheca Hertziana's Unprecedented Contemporary Art Show
The contemporary art exhibition 'Chi esce entra' (Who Goes Out Comes In) took place at the Bibliotheca Hertziana in Rome, drawing more than 18,000 visitors within a month. Curated by Simon Würsten Marin, the exhibition showcased the work of 24 artists, reinterpreting the venue's past as a private gallery and disco. This initiative, led by Director Tristan Weddigen, who has been with the institute since 2017, marked a departure from the institution’s usual emphasis on art history prior to 1900. Approved on July 2, the exhibition opened on October 9 and revitalized an abandoned area while preserving its architectural features. Free entry attracted a varied crowd, resulting in significant media attention and social media engagement. The building will serve as the institute's fourth location for rare books and a photo library.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Chi esce entra' at Bibliotheca Hertziana, Rome, attracted over 18,000 visitors in one month.
- Curated by Simon Würsten Marin, featuring 24 Italian and international artists.
- Venue on Via Gregoriana 9 was formerly Galleria Spiridon and later disco 'Cage aux folles'.
- Project conceived and prepared in three months; approval July 2, opening October 9.
- Free admission was crucial for accessibility and diversity of audience.
- Director Tristan Weddigen has been investing in contemporary art since 2017.
- Building will become fourth space of Bibliotheca Hertziana for rare books and photo library.
- Future plans include artist residencies in Max Planck institutes and possible access to nymphaeum of Lucullus.
Entities
Artists
- Simon Würsten Marin
- Christoph Keller
- Grégory Sugnaux
- Elena Subach
- Mauro Staccioli
- Massimo Piersanti
- Maria Giovanna Virga
- Lara Demori
- Oleksandra Osadcha
- Marica Antonucci
Institutions
- Bibliotheca Hertziana
- Max Planck Society
- Max Planck Institute
- Galleria Spiridon
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Via Gregoriana 9