Regina Coeli Prison in Rome Transforms into Museum with Inmate Art

A permanent exhibition titled "Regina Stories" has been installed in the corridor between the first and second rotundas of the Regina Coeli prison in Rome, showcasing works created by inmates in collaboration with IED (Istituto Europeo di Design). Over six months, students, teachers, and detainees participated in multidisciplinary workshops focused on identity, led by photographer Simona Ghizzoni, designer Barbara Brocchi, and illustrator Laura Federici. Despite material restrictions imposed by the prison, inmates produced photographs, illustrated stories, and design objects including pocket watches, masks, and jewelry. The exhibition is visible only to guests and staff of the penitentiary. Claudia Clementi, director of Regina Coeli, stated that the collaboration between IED and the prison helps "the hidden beauty to manifest itself" and that discovering one's ability to create something beautiful to be displayed in a place where hiding is the norm can be an epiphanic experience.