Descrizione

The purpose of this exhibition, the first ever devoted to the history of Rome, is to present the city’s life over the centuries, from the origins to its proclamation as the capital of Italy in 1871.

Capital of the world during the Roman Empire and of Christendom ever since medieval times, the Eternal City is still unique and absolutely incomparable as the cradle and leading figure of an extraordinary series of historical, political, cultural and religious events.

The exhibition examines the key stages and figures in the city’s history, from its mythic origins to the fall of the Roman Empire and the early Christian era, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, from the triumph of the Baroque to the Grand Tour, all the way to 1870 and its annexation by newly unified Italy.

Some 300 items – comprising priceless archaeological finds, masterpieces of sculpture, painting and drawing, extraordinary mosaics and frescoes, splendid jewellery and magnificent fabrics – all document the immensely rich history of Rome, the treasure chest of Western civilisation.

Québec, May 2011 – January 2012