ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Torlonia Marble Collection Exhibition Opens in Rome After 145 Years

exhibition · 2026-04-27

'I Marmi Torlonia' will take place at Villa Caffarelli in Rome on October 14, showcasing approximately 90 artifacts from the Torlonia Collection, which includes busts, reliefs, and statues. This collection, which boasts over 600 items, has been restored by Anna Maria Carruba with the assistance of Bulgari and is being displayed to the public for the first time since the Museo Torlonia's closure in the 1940s. Curated by Salvatore Settis and Carlo Gasparri, the exhibition marks the initial phase of a global tour, highlighting the history of collecting from the 15th to the 19th century. David Chipperfield designed the exhibition space, linking it to the Exedra of Marcus Aurelius. Settis expressed particular admiration for a 3rd-century AD statue of an unidentified young girl. Following the tour, the Museo Torlonia will find a new permanent location.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'I Marmi Torlonia' opens October 14 at Villa Caffarelli, Rome.
  • Features about 90 pieces from the Torlonia Collection, restored by Anna Maria Carruba with Bulgari.
  • First public presentation since Museo Torlonia closed in the 1940s.
  • Agreement between Fondazione Torlonia (founded 2014 by Alessandro Torlonia) and Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Tourism.
  • Curated by Salvatore Settis and Carlo Gasparri.
  • Allestimento by architect David Chipperfield, known for Neues Museum Berlin.
  • Reverse chronological sequence: from future museum to 15th-16th century works.
  • Exhibition connects to Exedra of Marcus Aurelius and Sixtus IV's 1471 donation.
  • Settis highlights a complete 3rd-century AD statue of an unknown young girl.
  • Museo Torlonia will get a new permanent home after the tour.

Entities

Artists

  • Salvatore Settis
  • Carlo Gasparri
  • David Chipperfield
  • Anna Maria Carruba
  • Alessandro Torlonia
  • Vincenzo Giustiniani
  • Sixtus IV

Institutions

  • Fondazione Torlonia
  • Ministero per i beni e le attività culturali e per il turismo
  • Musei Capitolini
  • Bulgari
  • Neues Museum Berlin
  • Artribune
  • David Chipperfield Architects Milano
  • Palazzo Rivaldi
  • Villa Caffarelli

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Villa Caffarelli
  • Museo Torlonia
  • Berlin
  • Germany

Sources