Art Exhibitions

Caravaggio 2025 - Palazzo Barberini

"Caravaggio 2025," a major exhibition celebrating the artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610), will be held at Palazzo Barberini in Rome from March 7 to July 6, 2025. This event coincides with the 2025 Jubilee celebrations and is a collaborative effort between the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica and the Galleria Borghese, with support from the Italian Ministry of Culture's Directorate-General of Museums and Intesa Sanpaolo as the main partner. Curated by Francesca Cappelletti, Maria Cristina Terzaghi, and Thomas Clement Salomon, the exhibition promises an unprecedented number of original Caravaggio works, including some rarely seen pieces and recent discoveries, displayed in a setting deeply connected to the artist and his patrons.

The exhibition aims to illuminate the factors that propelled Caravaggio to the forefront of art history. Palazzo Barberini will showcase these masterpieces, emphasizing the power and modernity of his revolutionary painting style. By juxtaposing iconic works with less familiar yet equally significant pieces, "Caravaggio 2025" offers fresh perspectives on the artist's impact on the artistic, religious, and social landscape of his era.

Among the highlights are the Portrait of Maffeo Barberini, recently rediscovered and displayed publicly for the first time in over sixty years, alongside other Caravaggio paintings. The Ecce Homo, on loan from the Museo Nacional del Prado (Madrid), will return to Italy for the first time in centuries. Also featured is the Saint Catherine of Alexandria from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Madrid), a masterpiece that was once part of the Barberini collection and is now returning to its former home. The Martha and Mary Magdalene from the Detroit Institute of Arts will be shown alongside the Palazzo Barberini's Judith and Holofernes, offering a unique opportunity to see the same model in both paintings.

The exhibition will also reunite three paintings commissioned by the banker Ottavio Costa: the aforementioned Judith and Holofernes, the Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness from the Nelson-Atkins Museum (Kansas City), and the Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy from the Wadsworth Atheneum of Art (Hartford). Furthermore, works connected to the Barberini family's art collecting history will be on display, including The Cardsharps from the Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth), returning to the Roman palazzo where it was once housed. The exhibition culminates with an important loan from Intesa Sanpaolo: The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, Caravaggio's final work, completed shortly before his death.

Upcoming Events

The major event coming to Palazzo Barberini in 2025 is the "Caravaggio 2025" exhibition.1 It will run from March 7th to July 6th, 2025.2 This exhibition is a significant event, showcasing a large number of Caravaggio's original paintings, including some that are rarely seen or newly discovered.3 It's being held in collaboration with the 2025 Jubilee celebrations.4

While this is the main event, Palazzo Barberini also houses a permanent collection of art, primarily from the 13th to 18th centuries.5 This collection includes works by artists like Hans Holbein the Younger, Raphael, and Titian.6 So, even if you miss the Caravaggio exhibition, you can still visit the Palazzo Barberini to see these masterpieces.

It's always a good idea to check the official website of the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica for the most up-to-date information on any special events, exhibitions, or changes in opening hours.

Past shows in Palazzo Barberini

Palazzo Barberini has hosted a wide range of exhibitions in the past, showcasing various artistic styles and periods. Here are a few examples:

• "La casa d'artista: collezioni, sculture e arredi del Museo Pietro Canonica": This exhibition explored the world of the artist Pietro Canonica, displaying his collections, sculptures, and furnishings.

• "I vestiti dei sogni": This exhibition focused on the theme of dreams and their representation in art and fashion.

• "Rome and the Great War.3 1915 – 1918": This exhibition examined the impact of World War I on Rome and its people.

• "The Age of Anxiety. From Commodus to Diocletian (180-305 AD)": This exhibition delved into the art and culture of the Roman Empire during a period of transition and upheaval.

• "Raphael, Titian, Rubens.5 Masterpieces from Galleria Borghese to Palazzo Barberini" This exhibition brought together masterpieces from the Galleria Borghese, including works by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.

It's worth noting that Palazzo Barberini also houses a permanent collection of art, primarily from the 13th to 18th centuries.7 This collection includes works by artists like Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.

For more information on past exhibitions at Palazzo Barberini, you can visit the official website of the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica.