Contemporary Art Biennale 'Arte in Memoria' Returns to Ancient Ostia Synagogue

The 11th edition of Arte in Memoria, a contemporary art biennale held at the ancient Synagogue of Ostia Antica, opened in 2023 featuring site-specific works by Francesco Arena, Maria Eichhorn, and Paolo Icaro. Founded in 2002 by art historian and critic Adachiara Zevi, the initiative uses contemporary art to activate memory and engage with history. The synagogue, built in the 1st century CE and discovered in 1961, is one of the oldest diaspora Jewish sites. Artists are invited to create works that transform the sacred space into a cultural venue, with pieces remaining permanently on view along the road connecting the Ostia excavations to Fiumicino Airport. Previous participants include Sol LeWitt, Jannis Kounellis, Marisa Merz, and Daniel Buren. The 2023 edition runs until April 16, 2023.