Three new cultural initiatives signal a possible revival for Rome's art scene

Although Rome is often seen as culturally stagnant, three recent openings indicate a possible revival. On May 11, the Fondazione Elena e Claudio Cerasi launched Palazzo Merulana, a renovated structure from 1929 that showcases a collection of Scuola Romana and interwar Italian art, featuring pieces by Giuseppe Capogrossi, Giacomo Balla, and Giorgio de Chirico. The foundation also includes contemporary works by Jan Fabre, Luigi Ontani, and Giuseppe Penone, curated by Monique Veaute. Following this, on May 16, the Fondazione Santarelli debuted at Villa Lontana with "Scultureless Sculpture," curated by Jo Melvin and Vittoria Bonifati, blending classical sculptures from the Santarelli collection with videos by John Baldessari and Elisabetta Benassi. Additionally, the Gallerie Nazionali Barberini Corsini and MAXXI are presenting "Eco e Narciso" at Palazzo Barberini until October 28, featuring masterpieces alongside modern works, curated by Flaminia Gennari Santori and Bartolomeo Pietromarchi.