Wanted in Rome - March 2025 by Wanted in Rome

EDITORIALS

4. SAVING ROME’S CINEMAS

Andy Devane

6. SIX NATIONS RUGBY IN ROME: A QUICK GUIDE 8. BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME IN March 2025

MISCELLANY WHAT'S ON

DIRETTORE RESPONSABILE: Marco Venturini

EDITRICE: Società della Rotonda Srl, Via delle Coppelle 9

PROGETTO GRAFICO: Dali Studio Srl

IMPAGINAZIONE: Simona Castellari

STAMPA: Graffietti Stampati S.n.c.

DIFFUSIONE: Emilianpress Scrl, Via delle Messi d’Oro 212, tel. 0641734425. Registrazione al Trib. di Roma numero 118 del 30/3/2009 già iscritta con il numero 131del 6/3/1985. Finito di stampare il 28/02/2025

Wanted in Rome advertising@wantedinrome.com editorial@wantedinrome.com www.wantedinrome.com www.wantedinmilan.com

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME IN March 2025

4 SAVING ROME’S CINEMAS

30 FESTIVALS

30 classical

SAVING ROME’S CINEMAS Culture

SCORSESE LAUNCHES PETITION TO STOP ROME CINEMAS BEING TURNED INTO SHOPPING MALLS

Acompromise has been reached in the high-profile saga involving the conversion of disused cinemas in Rome into shopping malls, the Lazio region announced at the end of February.

The move follow weeks of lobbying to halt the proposed legislation which would have made it easier for developers to transform former cinemas into shops, bingo halls, supermarkets and hotels.

After extended talks with trade associations, film producers and entrepreneurs, the Lazio region modified the new laws to protect cinemas that are currently in operation and those that have closed in the last ten years.

The legislation will allow for the potential reopening of cinemas that have closed since 31 December 2014.

There are 14 such movie theatres in Rome, from the centre to the outskirts: Ulisse, Stardust, Europa, Admiral, Cinestar Cassia, King, Roxy, Trevi, Galaxy, Maestoso, Reale, Royal, Ambassade, and the Fiamma which has already changed hands recently and is expected to open later this year.

The new law means however that the city is likely to bid farewell for good to around 20 former cinemas that have been closed for more than 10 years, reports news outlet RomaToday

These include the Embassy, Empire, Mouline Rouge, Metropolitan, Avorio, Tristar, Pasquino, Roma, Missouri, Apollo, Delle Arti, New York, Paris, Apollo ex Africa, America (managed by the Piccolo America foundation after a long occupation), Excelsior, Aureo, Volturno, Astra, Horus ex Aniene, Palazzo, Preneste and Airone.

Andy Devane

Some of these cinemas have not been active since 1990, while the Airone on Via Lidia has been abandoned since 1978.

The case of the landmark Metropolitan on Via del Corso, which has been closed for more than a decade, is slightly different: its current owners have long planned to redevelop the site into retail along with a 100seat movie theatre.

The newly modified legislation follows calls from leading international movie directors who appealed to Italy’s president Sergio Mattarella and prime minister Giorgia Meloni to save Rome cinemas.

The petition was signed by Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Jane Campion, Wes Anderson and Ari Aster.

Describing moves to transform Rome cinemas into retail spaces as “utterly unacceptable”, the letter stated: “Such a transformation would represent an irrevocable loss: a profound sacrilege not only to the city’s rich history but also to the cultural legacy for the future generations.”

The letter called on film and festival directors across the globe to add their names to the petition to “save the last chance for redemption of one of the most important cultural and artistic cities worldwide.”

“It’s our duty to transform these abandoned “cathedrals in the desert” into true temples of culture, places capable of nourishing the

souls of both present and future generations”, the petition concludes.

Among the thousands of people that signed the appeal were Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Willem Dafoe along with leading figures from Italy’s world of cinema including Paola Cortellesi, Isabella Rossellini, Pierfrancesco Favino, Paolo Sorrentino and Matteo Garrone.

The letter, published in the Corriere della Sera newspaper, follows the publication of Italian architect Renzo Piano’s “heartfelt” appeal in La Repubblica in which he described cinemas as “precious ‘places for the people’”.

“Those spaces, whether active or abandoned, represent the last lungs of oxygen for our cities, increasingly saturated with cars, shopping centres, hotels and vacation homes”, Piano wrote, warning that redeveloped former cinemas will become “the tombstone of our metropolises in a few years, damaging everything, including retail trade.”

The architect warned that if cinemas can be converted, after a few years of closure, into places “exclusively aimed at profit”, the value of those properties will rise, and the decline of movie theatres will be “inevitable”.

Piano said the prospect of making lucrative earnings by converting former cinemas into retail units would lead the owners of the property “to prefer the termination of contracts with the managers of cultural activities and the closure of those structures for years”.

Martin Scorsese launches appeal to save Rome cinemas. Photo credit: taniavolobueva / Shutterstock.com.

Steven Spielberg was among thousands who signed the petition. Photo credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME IN MARCH 2025

GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN ROME THIS MONTH

March in Rome heralds the arrival of spring and milder temperatures, making it a perfect time to visit the Eternal City. Here are some tips for the best events and things to do in Rome in March 2025.

Go museum-hopping for free

State museums and archaeological sites across Italy, as well as Rome's city-run museums, open their doors for free on Sunday 2 March. The free landmark sites in the capital range from Castel Sant'Angelo and the Capitoline Museums to Palazzo Altemps and the Museo Forma Urbis.

Six Nations Rugby

Rugby fever returns to Rome thanks to the 2025 Six Nations tournament. The Azzurri take on defending champions Ireland at the Stadio Olimpico on 15 March. A selection of 25 museums in Rome, from the Capitoline

Museums to the Baths of Caracalla, offer free admission to Six Nations rugby ticket holders that weekend. See page 8.

Beware the Ides of March

Rome marks the Ides of March and the assassination of Julius Caesar on Saturday 15 March with a historical re-enactment of that fateful day in 44 BC. The free open-air event will be staged by the Gruppo Storico Romano in the archaeological area at Largo di Torre Argentina at 14.30.

Rome Marathon

The 2025 edition of the Maratona di Roma, hailed by many as "the most beautiful marathon in the world", takes place on Sunday 16 March. The 42-km race begins and ends at the Circus Maximus, taking in dozens of landmarks, from the Roman Forum to the Spanish Steps. There is also a

Lifestyle

non-competitive 5-km fun run in the Circus Maximus area and a charity relay race.

St Patrick's Day

St Patrick's Day, on 17 March, is marked in Rome with an official St Patrick's Day Mass at 10.00 at St Isidore's which marks its 400th anniversary this year. A St Patrick's Day Festival will be held at the Città dell’Altra Economia in Testaccio, with live Celtic music, beer and whiskey, with free entry from 14-17 March. The Irish Club of Rome celebrates with the St Patrick's Ball on 22 March, a popular black-tie event with a five-course meal, drinks, live music and dancing until late.

Classical music, opera and theatre

Rome's opera house celebrates the 125th anniversary of Puccini's Tosca with a new production of the three-act opera classic, conducted by Daniel Oren and directed by Alessandro Talevi, from 1-6 March.

The March programme of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia features multiple concerts, including the Orchestra performing music by Mozart and Strauss; a return of celebrated pianist Grigory Sokolov; and a series of concerts conducted by Daniel Harding featuring soprano Roberta Mantegna.

The famed Canadian circus company Cirque du Soleil stages its classic Alegría in Rome, under the big top at Tor di Quinto, from 1 March to 13 April.

Festivals

The Roma Whisky Festival, showcasing a vast range of whisky along with tastings and masterclasses by industry experts, will be held at the Salone delle Fontane in EUR on 1-2 March.

Libri Come, Rome's annual festival devoted to books and reading, takes place at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica from 21-23 March, with many names from Italian and world literature.

The Irish Film Festa, a free festival dedicated to Irish cinema, returns to Rome’s Casa del Cinema from 26-30 March, featuring movies and shorts as well as talks with actors and directors.

Exhibitions in Rome

The big new exhibition in town is a Caravaggio blockbuster, hailed as among the most important and ambitious showcases ever dedicated to the Baroque genius. Other big new exhibitions in Rome include Munch at Palazzo Bonaparte, I Farnesi at the Capitoline Museums, and Flowers at the Chiostro del Bramante.

For more events and things to do in Rome see the What's On section of our website, www. wantedinrome.com.

Museo Forma Urbis and other museums are free on 2 March. Photo credit: EBRIMINI / Shutterstock.com.

The Colosseum lit up in green lights to mark St Patrick’s Day several years ago.

SIX NATIONS RUGBY IN ROME: A QUICK GUIDE Sport

ITALY FACE WALES, FRANCE AND IRELAND AT THE STADIO OLIMPICO IN ROME

Italy will play a total of three home games in the 2025 edition of the annual Six Nations rugby union championship which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

After beating Wales 2215 on 8 February and

getting hammered 24-73 by France on 23 February, the Azzurri will face defending champions Ireland on 15 March, with all three matches being played in Rome's Olympic Stadium.

The 15-match tournament – contested by England,

France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales – will see Italy play two away games: against Scotland in Murrayfield on 1 February and England at Twickenham on 9 March.

The presentation of this year’s Six Nations was held

Andy Devane

in Rome, for the first time, to mark 25 years since Italy was added to the Five Nations rugby union championship in 2000.

Andrea Duodo, president of the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR), describes 5 February 2000 as “an unforgettable date for every Italian rugby player, a day that changed our sport in Italy forever.”

Duodo said the Azzurri have experienced “25 exciting years, even if not always easy, with days to forget and others that we will remember for a lifetime.”

The FIR president singled out Italian rugby legend Sergio Parisse whose 69 appearances make him the most-capped player ever in the more than 140-year history of the rugby tournament

Parisse made an appearance at the Stadio Olimpico ahead of the Italy-France game, where he received a rousing salute from rugby fans.

Last year the Azzurri achieved their best ever result in the tournament, clocking up 11 points thanks to wins against Scotland and Wales, and a draw with France, significantly changing the way the team is seen internationally.

Italian rugby captain Michele Lamaro expressed optimism about the upcoming Six Nations during the Rome presentation.

“There are a lot of expectations on us, other teams look at us differently now” – Lamaro told reporters – “We have to focus on ourselves, on what we can do to improve, gain confidence and try to improve day by day.”

Italy’s coach, Argentine Gonzalo Quesada, said the team has “higher expectations than last year”, stressing: “We have the potential to play better, defend better and have an even stronger character.”

All sides in the Six Nations tournament will try to avoid being handed the dreaded “wooden spoon” – for finishing in last place – which went to Wales in 2024.

Around 185 million viewers in 64 countries tuned in to watch last year’s Six Nations matches, with four million followers on social media generating 615 million video views and almost 300,000 fans participating in the Fantasy Rugby digital platform.

For full details of the 2025

tournament see websites www.sixnationsrugby.com and www.federugby.it.

How to get to Stadio Olimpico

By public transport: From Termini station, take the Metro A line in the direction of Battistini, getting out at Ottaviano (6 stops away, in the Vatican area). From there take the No. 32 bus to Piazzale della Farnesina and make the short walk to the stadium.

Alternatively take the Metro A line in the direction of Battistini and get out at Flaminio (4 stops) then take the No. 2 tram to its terminus at Piazza Mancini (7 stops). From there cross over the Ponte Duca d’Aosta bridge to the stadium.

By foot: The stadium is located around six km from the centre of Rome, or about four km from the Ottaviano area. It is roughly a 40-minute walk from Flaminio, a popular option for many.

Taxi: Visitors to Rome who wish to reach the stadium by taxi are advised to give

Italian players regroup during 2024 Six Nations match against England at the Stadio Olimpico. Photo credit: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com.

themselves plenty of time and not leave it until the last minute as traffic can be heavy on match days. The city’s main taxi companies are 063570 and 060609. Rome taxi cooperative Samarcanda (065551) is known for its excellent customer service.

Sustainable transport: Other options include car-sharing companies such as Enjoy www.enjoy.eni.com, electric motorcycle sharing outfits like eCooltra (www.cooltra. com) or electric scooter and bicycle sharing operators Bird (www.bird.co), Dott (www.ridedott.com) and Lime (www.li.me). The stadium has nearby parking facilities for bicycles.

Useful apps: Handy transport apps in Rome include journey-planners Moovit and MooneyGo!. The city’s public transport

company is ATAC, with traffic news available on the municipal mobility website, www.atac.roma.it.

Best pubs in Rome to watch Six Nations

For the biggest screens, party atmosphere and commentary in English, it would be hard to beat Scholars Lounge (Via del Plebiscito 101/b) just off the central Piazza Venezia –Rome’s largest Irish bar and past winner of the world’s Irish Pub of the Year.

Italian rugby fans cram into the rugby-mad The Shamrock (Via del Colosseo 1/c) or Camden Town (Via Ostilia 30) – two Irish pubs on opposite sides of the Colosseum – with a lively atmosphere guaranteed in both places.

The Fiddler’s Elbow (Via dell’Olmata 43) and the Druid’s Den ((Via di S. Martino Ai Monti 28) –Rome’s oldest and thirdoldest Irish pub respectively – screen the games to their customers who are generally a mix of Italian and foreign.

Finnegans (Via Leonina 66), in the heart of the Monti quarter, also screens the Six Nations and attracts a large English-speaking crowd, mainly from the UK and Ireland.

Other popular pubs showing the rugby games include the Abbey Theatre (Via del Governo Vecchio 51) near Piazza Navona, The Highlander in the historic centre (Vicolo di S. Biagio 9), and The Nag’s Head (Via IV November 138/b) near Piazza Venezia.

Italy versus Wales in Rome during the 2023 Six Nations. Photo credit: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com.

ARTandSEEK

English-language cultural workshops and visits to museums and exhibitions for children in Rome. For event details tel. 3315524440, email artandseekforkids@gmail.com, or see website, www.artandseekforkids.com.

Bioparco

Rome's Bioparco has over 1,000 animals and o ers special activities for children and their families at weekends and during the summer. When little legs get tired, take a ride around the zoo on an electric train. Open daily. Viale del Giardino Zoologico 20 (Villa Borghese), tel. 063608211, www.bioparco.it.

Bowling Silvestri

is sports club has an 18-hole mini golf course, with good facilities for children aged 4 and over, adults and disabled children.

ere are also tennis courts, a table tennis room and a pizzeria. Via G. Zoega 6 (Monteverde/Bravetta), tel. 0666158206, www.bowlingsilvestri.com.

Casa del Parco

Eco-friendly workshops, in Italian, in which kids can learn about nature and how to care for the environment. Located in the Valle dei Casali nature park. Via del Casaletto 400, tel. 3475540409, www.valledeicasali.com.

Casina di Ra aello

Play centre in Villa Borghese o ering a programme of animated lectures, creative workshops, cultural projects and educational activities for children from the age of three. Tues-Fri 14.30, Sat-Sun 11.00 and 17.00. Viale della Casina di Ra aello (Porta Pinciana), tel. 060608, www.casinadira aello.it.

Cinecittà World

is 25-hectare theme park dedicated to the magic of cinema features high-tech attractions, real and virtual roller coasters, aquatic shows such as Super Splash, giant elephant rides and attractions with cinematic special e ects. Located about 10 km from EUR, south of Rome. Via di Castel Romano, S.S. 148 Pontina, www.cinecittaworld.it.

Climbing

Associazione Sportiva Climbing Side. Basic and competitive climbing courses for 6-18 year olds. Tues, urs. Via Cristoforo Colombo 1800 (Torrino/Mostacciano), tel. 3356525473.

Explora

e 2,000-sqm Children’s Museum organises creative workshops for small children in addition to holding regular animated lectures, games and meetings with authors of children’s books. Via Flaminia 80/86, tel. 063613776, www.mdbr.it.

Go-karting

Club Kartroma is a circuit with go-karts for children over 9 and two-seater karts for an adult and a child under 8. Closed Mon. For details see website. Via della Muratella (Ponte Galeria), tel. 0665004962, www.kartroma.it.

Gymboree is children's centre caters to little people aged from 0-5 years, o ering Play and Learn activities, music, art, baby play, school skills and even English theatre arts. Gymboree @ Chiostro del Bramante (Piazza Navona), Via Arco della Pace 5, www.gymbo.it.

Hortis Urbis

Association providing hands-on horticultural workshops for children, usually in Italian but sometimes in English, in the Appia Antica park. Weekend activities include sowing seeds, cultivating plants and harvesting vegetables. Junior gardeners must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Via Appia Antica 42/50, www.hortusurbis.it.

Il Nido

Based in Testaccio, this association supports expectant mothers, parents, babies and small children. It holds regular educational and social events, many of them in English. Via Marmorata 169 (Testaccio), tel. 0657300707, www.associazioneilnido.it.

Luneur

Located in the southern EUR suburb, Luneur is Italy’s oldest amusement park. Highlights include ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel horses, bamboo tunnel, maze, giant swing and a Wizard of Oz-style farm. Aimed at children aged up to 12. Entry fee €2.50, payable in person or online. Via delle Tre Fontane 100, www.luneurpark.it.

Rainbow Magicland

e 38 attractions at Rome's biggest theme park are divided into three categories: brave, everyone, and kids. Highlights include down-hill rafting, a water roller coaster through Mayan-style pyramids, and the Shock launch coaster. Located in Valmonte, south-east of the capital. Via della Pace, 00038 Valmontone, www.rainbowmagicland.it.

Time Elevator

A virtual reality, multi-sensorial 5-D cinema experience with a motion-base platform, bringing the history of Rome to life in an accessible and fun way. e time-machine's commentary is available in six languages including English. Daily 11.00-19.30. €12 adults, €9 kids. Via dei SS. Apostoli 20, tel. 0669921823, www.time-elevator.it.

Zoomarine

is amusement and aquatic park outside Rome o ers performances with dolphins, parrots and other animals for children of all ages. It is also possible to rent little play carts. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Via Casablanca 61, Torvaianica, Pomezia, tel. 0691534, www.zoomarine.it.

Rome’s reputation as an important street art capital continues to grow with new murals by important Italian and international street artists appearing all the time. Most of the works are located in the suburbs, often far from the centre. Here is where to find Rome’s main street art projects and murals.

from the centre. Here is where to find the main street art projects and murals around Rome.

Esquilino

Murals by Alice Pasquini, Gio Pistone, Nicola Alessandrini, Diamond. Casa dell’Architettura, Piazza Mafredo Fanti 47. Marconi

Murals by Alice Pasquini, Gio Pistone, Nicola Alessandrini, Diamond. Casa dell'Architettura, Piazza Manfredo Fanti 47.

Marconi

The M.A.G.R. (Museo Abusivo Gestito dai Rom), a project by French street artist Seth is located in a former soap factory on Via Antonio Avogadro, opposite Ostiense’s landmark Gasometro. For details see www.999contemporary.com.

The M.A.G.R. (Museo Abusivo Gestito dai Rom), a project by French street artist Seth is located in a former soap factory on Via Antonio Avogadro, opposite Ostiense's landmark Gasometro. For details see www.999contemporary.com.

Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove di Metropoliz

This former meat factory in the outskirts of Rome is now a street art museum as well as being home to some 200 squatting migrants. The Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove di Metropoliz, or MAAM, is only open on Saturdays, and features the work of more than 300 artists including Edoardo Kobra, Gio Pistone, Sten&Lex, Pablo Echaurren and Borondo. See MAAM Facebook page for details. Via Prenestina 913. Ostiense

This former meat factory in the outskirts of Rome is now a street art museum as well as being home to some 200 squatters, many of them migrants. The Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove di Metropoliz, or MAAM, is only open on Saturdays, and features the work of more than 300 artists including Edoardo Kobra, Gio Pistone, Sten&Lex and Diamond. See MAAM Facebook page for details. Via Prenestina 913.

Ostiense

Fronte Del Porto by Blu. Via del Porto Fluviale.

Fish’n'Kids by Agostino Iacurci. Via del Porto Fluviale.

Fish’n’Kids by Agostino Iacurci. Via del Porto Fluviale.

Wall of Fame by JB Rock. Via dei Magazzini Generali.

Wall of Fame by JB Rock. Via dei Magazzini Generali. Shelley by Ozmo. Ostiense underpass, Via Ostiense.

Shelley by Ozmo. Ostiense underpass, Via Ostiense. Palazzo occupato by Blu, Via Ostiense.

Palazzo occupato by Blu, Via Ostiense.

Pigneto

Tributes to Pier Paolo Pasolini by Maupal, Mr. Klevra and Omino 71.

Via Fanfulla da Lodi.

2501 mural on Via Fortebraccio.

Blu Landscape by Sten & Lex. Via Francesco Baracca.

Via Fanfulla da Lodi. 2501 mural on Via Fortebraccio. Blu Landscape by Sten & Lex. Via Francesco Baracca.

Prati

Anna Magnani portrait by Diavù. Nuovo Mercato Trionfale, Via Andrea Doria. Daniza the bear by ROA. Via Sabotino.

Primavalle

The Roadkill by Fintan Magee. Via Cristoforo Numai. Theseus stabbing the Minotaur by Pixelpancho. Via Pietro Bembo.

The Roadkill by Fintan Magee. Via Cristoforo Numai.

Theseus stabbing the Minotaur by Pixelpancho. Via Pietro Bembo. Quadraro

Quadraro

Tunnel murals by Mr THOMS and Gio Pistone. Via Decio Mure.

NidodiVespe by Lucamaleonte. Via del Monte del Grano.

Tunnel murals by Mr THOMS and Gio Pistone. Via Decio Mure. Nido di Vespe by Lucamaleonte. Via del Monte del Grano. Baby Hulk by Ron English. Via dei Pisoni 89.

Baby Hulk by Ron English. Via dei Pisoni 89.

Rebibbia

Murals by Blu. Via Ciciliano and Via Palombini (Casal dè Pazzi). Welcome to Rebibbia by Zerocalcare. Metro B station.

Murals by Blu. Via Ciciliano and Via Palombini (Casal dè Pazzi).

WelcometoRebibbiaby Zerocalcare. Metro B station.

S. Basilio

SanBa features large-scale works on the façades of social-housing blocks in the disadvantaged north-east suburb of S. Basilio near Rebibbia. The regeneration project includes works by Italian artists Agostino Iacurci, Hitnes and Blu alongside Spain's Liqen. Via Maiolati, Via Osimo, Via Recanati, Via Arcevia, Via Treia.

SanBa features large-scale works on the façades of social-housing blocks in the disadvantaged north-east suburb of S. Basilio near Rebibbia. The regeneration project includes works by Italian artists Agostino Iacurci, Hitnes and Blu alongside Spain’s Liqen. Via Maiolati, Via Osimo, Via Recanati, Via Arcevia, Via Treia.

S. Giovanni

Totti mural by Lucamaleonte. Via Apulia corner of Via Farsalo.

It’s a New Day by Alice Pasquini. Via Anton Ludovico.

S. Lorenzo

Alice Pasquini. Via dei Sabelli. Feminicide mural by Elisa Caracciolo. Via Dei Sardi.

Alice Pasquini. Via dei Sabelli. Feminicide mural by Elisa Caracciolo. Via Dei Sardi. Borondo. Via dei Volsci 159.

Mural by Agostino Iacurci on the Istituto Superiore di Vittorio Lattanzio, Via Aquilonia.

Borondo. Via dei Volsci 159. Mural by Agostino Iacurci on the Istituto Superiore di Vittorio Lattanzio, Via Aquilonia.

S. Pietro

Uma Cabra by Bordalo II. Stazione di S. Pietro, Clivo di Monte del Gallo.

Testaccio

Hunted Wolf by ROA. Via Galvani. #KindComments by Alice Pasquini, Via Volta, Testaccio market.

Tor Pignattara

Dulk. Via Antonio Tempesta. Etnik. Via Bartolomeo Perestrello 51. Coﬀee Break by Etam Cru. Via Ludovico Pavoni.

Tom Sawyer by Jef Aerosol. Via Gabrio Serbelloni.

Pasolini by Diavù. Former Cinema Impero, Via Acqua Bullicante. Hostia by Nicola Verlato. Via Galeazzo Alessi.

Herakut. Via Capua 14. Agostino Iacurci. Via Muzio Oddi 6.

Tor Marancia

Herakut. Via Capua 14. Agostino Iacurci. Via Muzio Oddi 6. Tor Marancia

The Big City Life scheme features 14-m tall murals by 22 Italian and international street artists including Mr Klevra, Seth, Gaia and Jerico. The idea was to transform the area's blocks of ﬂats into an open-air art museum. Via Tor Marancia. www.bigcity.life.it.

The Big City Life scheme features 14-m tall murals by 22 Italian and international street artists including Mr Klevra, Seth, Gaia and Jerico. The idea was to transform the area’s blocks of ﬂats into an open-air art museum. Via Tor Marancia. For full details see website, www.bigcity.life.it.

Clockwise from top left: S. Maria di Shanghai by Mr Klevra (Big City Life), Nido di Vespe by Lucamaleonte, El Devinir by Liqen, Fish'n'Kids by Agostino Iacurci, MAGR by Seth.

ROME'S MAJOR MUSEUMS

VATICAN MUSEUMS

Viale del Vaticano, tel. 0669883860, www.museivaticani.va. Not only the Sistine Chapel but also the Egyptian and Etruscan collections and the Pinacoteca. Mon-Sat 09.00-18.00. Sun (and bank holidays) closed except last Sun of month (free entry, 08.30-12.30). All times refer to last entry. For group tours of the museums and Vatican gardens tel. 0669884667. For private tours (museum only) tel. 0669884947. Closed 26 December and 6 January, Easter Sunday and Monday. Advance booking online: www.biglietteriamusei.vatican.va.

Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums Tel. 0669881814, www.vatican-patrons.org. For private behind-the-scenes tours in the Vatican Museums.

STATE MUSEUMS

Baths of Diocletian

Viale Enrico de Nicola 78, tel. 0639967700, www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it. Part of the protohistorical section of the Museo Nazionale Romano in the Baths of Diocletian plus the restored cloister by Michelangelo. 09.00-19.45. Mon closed.

Borghese Museum

Piazzale Scipione Borghese (Villa Borghese), tel. 06328101, www.galleria.borghese.it. Sculptures by Bernini and Canova, paintings by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, Correggio. 09.00-19.30. Mon closed. Entry times at 09.00, 11.00, 13.00 15.00, 17.00. Guided tours in English and Italian.

Castel S. Angelo Museum

Lungotevere Castello 50, tel. 066819111, www.castelsantangelo.com. Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum used by the popes as a fortress, prison and palace. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed.

Colosseum, Roman forum and Palatine

Colosseum: Piazza del Colosseo. Palatine: entrances at Piazza di S. Maria Nova 53 and Via di S. Gregorio 30. Roman Forum: entrances at Largo Romolo e Remo 5-6 and Piazza di S. Maria Nova 53, tel. 0639967700, www.colosseo-roma.it. 08.30-19.15. Single ticket gives entry to the Colosseum and the Palatine (including the Museo Palatino; last entry one hour before closing). Guided tours in English and Italian.

Crypta Balbi

Via delle Botteghe Oscure 31, tel.0639967700, www.archeologia.beniculturali.it. Museum dedicated to the Middle Ages on the site of the ancient ruins of the Roman Theatre of Balbus. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed. Guided tours in Italian.

Etruscan Museum at Villa Giulia Piazza Villa Giulia 9, tel. 063226571, www.villagiulia.beniculturali.it. National museum of Etruscan civilisation. 08.3019.30. Mon closed.

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna Viale delle Belle Arti 131, tel. 06322981, 08.30- 19.30. Italy's modern art collection. Mon closed.

MAXXI

Via Guido Reni 6, tel. 063210181, www. fondazionemaxxi.it. National Museum of 21st-century art, designed by Zaha Hadid. Tues-Sun 11.00-19.00, Thurs and Sat 11.00-22.00. Mon closed.

Palazzo Corsini

Via della Lungara, 10, tel. 0668802323, www.barberinicorsini.org. National collection of ancient art, begun by Rome’s Corsini family. 08.30- 19.30. Tues closed.

Museo Nazionale d’Arte Orientale

Italy's museum of oriental art. Piazza Guglielmo Marconi 14 (EUR). For details see website, www.pigorini.beniculturali.it.

Palazzo Altemps

Piazza S. Apollinare 46, tel. 0639967700, www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it. Ancient sculpture from the Museo Nazionale Romano, including the Ludovisi collection. 09.00-19.45. Mon closed.

Palazzo Barberini

Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, tel. 064824184, www.barberinicorsini.org. National collection of 13th- to 16th-century paintings. 08.30- 19.30. Mon closed.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Largo di Villa Peretti 1, tel. 0639967700, www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it. Important Roman paintings, mosaics, sculpture, coins and antiquities from the Museo Nazionale Romano, including the Kircherian collection. 09.00- 19.45. Mon closed.

Villa Farnesina

Via della Lungara 230, tel. 0668027268, www.villafarnesina.it. A 16th-century Renaissance villa with important frescoes by Raphael. Mon-Sat 9.00-14.00 excluding holidays.

CITY MUSEUMS

Centrale Montemartini

Via Ostiense 106, tel. 060608, www.centralemontemartini.org. Over 400 pieces of ancient sculpture from the Capitoline Museums are on show in a former power plant. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed. Guided tours in English for groups if reserved in advance.

Capitoline Museums

Piazza del Campidoglio, tel. 060608, www.museicapitolini.org. The city’s collection of ancient sculpture in Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori, plus the Tabularium and the Pinacoteca. 09.00-20.00. Mon closed. Guided tours for groups in English and Italian on Sat and Sun.

Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna

Via Francesco Crispi 24, tel. 060608, www.museiincomuneroma.it. The municipal modern art collection. 10.00- 18.00. Mon closed.

MACRO

Via Nizza 138, tel. 060608, www.museomacro.it. Programme of free art events at the city’s contemporary art space. 10.30-19.00. Mon closed.

MATTATOIO

Piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4, tel. 060608. www.museomacro.org. Open for temporary exhibitions 14.00-20.00. Mon closed.

Museo Barracco

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 166, tel. 0668806848, www.mdbr.it. A collection of mainly pre-Roman sculpture. 09.00- 19.00. Mon closed.

Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi

Via S. Pantaleo 10, tel. 060608, en.museodiroma.it. The city’s collection of paintings, etchings, photographs, furniture and clothes from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed. Guided tours in English and Italian on prior booking tel. 0682059127.

Museo dei Fori Imperiali and Trajan’s Markets

Via IV Novembre 94, tel. 060608, en.mercatiditraiano.it. Museum dedicated to the forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva and Trajan and the Temple of Peace. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed.

Museo Canonica

Viale P. Canonica 2 (Villa Borghese), tel. 060608, www.museocanonica.it. The collection, private apartment and studio of the sculptor and musician Pietro Canonica who died in 1959. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed. Guided tours in Italian and English (book ten days in advance).

Museo Napoleonico

Piazza di Ponte Umberto 1, tel. 060608, www.museonapoleonico.it. Paintings, sculptures and jewellery related to Napoleon and the Bonaparte family. 09.00- 19.00. Mon closed. Guided tours in Italian and English.

PRIVATE MUSEUMS

Casa di Goethe

Via del Corso 18, tel. 0632650412, www. casadigoethe.it. Museum dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. 10.0018.00. Mon closed.

Chiostro Del Bramante

Bramante’s Renaissance building near Piazza Navona stages exhibitions by important Italian and international artists. Arco della Pace 5, tel. 0668809035 www.chiostrodelbramante.it.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, Via del Corso 305, tel. 066797323, www.doriapamphilj.it. Residence of the Doria Pamphilj family, it contains the family’s private art collection, which includes a portrait by Velasquez, a sculpture by Bernini, plus works by Raphael, Titian, Tintoretto and Caravaggio. 09.00-19.00.

Galleria Colonna

Palazzo Colonna, Via della Pilotta 17, tel. 066784350, www.galleriacolonna.it. Private collection of works by Veronese, Guido Reni, Pietro di Cortona and Annibale Caracci. Sat 09.00-13.00 only. Private group tours are available seven days a week on request. For wheelchair access contact the gallery to arrange alternative entrance.

Giorgio de Chirico House Museum

Piazza di Spagna 31, tel. 066796546, www.fondazionedechirico.org. Museum dedicated to the Metaphysical painter Giorgio de Chirico. Tues-Sat, rst Sun of month, 10.00, 11.00, 12.00. Guided tours in English, advance booking.

Keats-Shelley House

Piazza di Spagna 26, tel. 066784235, www. keats-shelley-house.it. Museum dedicated to the lives of three English Romantic poets – John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron. Mon-Sat 10.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00.

Guided tours on prior booking.

Museo storico della Liberazione

Via Tasso 145, tel. 067003866, www.museoliberazione.it. Housed in the city's former SS prison, the Liberation Museum were tortured here during the Nazi occupation of Rome from 1943-1944. 09.00-13.15 / 14.15-20.00.

Palazzo Merulana

Via Merulana 121, tel. 0639967800, www.palazzomerulana.it. Museum hosting the early 20th-century Italian art collection, including Scuola Romana paintings, of the Cerasi Foundation. 09.00-20.00. Tues closed.

MARCH 2025

Orchestra dell’Accademia

di Santa Cecilia

conductor Robert Trevino

piano Javier Perianes

Mozart The Magic Flute: Overture

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 K 488

R. Strauss Symphonia Domestica

20, 21, 22 MARCH

Orchestra e Coro dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia

conductor Daniel Harding

Verdi Sacred Pieces

Suk Symphony No. 2 “Asrael”

13, 14, 15 MARCH

Orchestra dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia conductor Thomas Guggeis

violin Daniel Lozakovich cello Ettore Pagano

Brahms Double Concerto Liszt Les préludes

R. Strauss Death and Transfiguration

Orchestra dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia

conductor Jakub Hrůša

cello Beatrice Rana

Bizet L’Arlésienne: suite I

Montalbetti Concertino for piano and orchestra italian première

Ravel Concerto in G

Bizet L’Arlésienne: suite II in collaboration with Palazzetto Bru Zane

Villa Farnesina

Via della Lungara 230, tel. 0668027268, www.villafarnesina.it. A 16th-century Renaissance villa with important frescoes by Raphael. Mon-Sat 9.00-14.00 excluding holidays.

CITY MUSEUMS

Centrale Montemartini

Capitoline Museums

Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna

Via Francesco Crispi 24, tel. 060608, www.museiincomuneroma.it. The municipal modern art collection. 10.00- 18.00. Mon closed.

MACRO

Via Nizza 138, tel. 060608, www.museomacro.it. Programme of free art events at the city’s contemporary art space. 10.30-19.00. Mon closed.

MATTATOIO

Piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4, tel. 060608. www.museomacro.org. Open for temporary exhibitions 14.00-20.00. Mon closed.

Museo Barracco

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 166, tel. 0668806848, www.mdbr.it. A collection of mainly pre-Roman sculpture. 09.00- 19.00. Mon closed.

Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi

Museo dei Fori Imperiali and Trajan’s Markets Via IV Novembre 94, tel. 060608, en.mercatiditraiano.it. Museum dedicated to the forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva and Trajan and the Temple of Peace. 09.00-19.00. Mon closed.

Museo Canonica

Museo Napoleonico

PRIVATE MUSEUMS

Casa di Goethe

Via del Corso 18, tel. 0632650412, www. casadigoethe.it. Museum dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. 10.0018.00. Mon closed.

Chiostro Del Bramante

Bramante’s Renaissance building near Piazza Navona stages exhibitions by important Italian and international artists. Arco della Pace 5, tel. 0668809035 www.chiostrodelbramante.it.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery

Galleria Colonna

Giorgio de Chirico House Museum

Keats-Shelley House

Museo storico della Liberazione

Palazzo Merulana

ROME’S

MOST ACTIVE AND CONTEMPORARY

ART GALLERIES

1/9 Unosunove

1/9 Unosunove focuses on emerging national and international contemporary artists and explores various media including paintings, sculpture and photography. Via degli Specchi 20, tel. 0697613696, www.unosunove.com.

A.A.M. Architettura

Arte Moderna Gallery housing numerous works of contemporary design, photography, drawings and architecture projects. Via dei Banchi Vecchi 61, tel. 0668307537, www. -maam.it.

Contemporary Cluster

Multidisciplinary venue devoted to visual art, design, architecture and fashion design at Palazzo Brancaccio. Via Merulana 248, tel. 0631709949, www.contemporarycluster.com.

C.R.E.T.A.

Cultural association promoting ceramics and the visual, humanistic, musical and culinary arts through workshops, exhibitions and artist residencies. Palazzo Del ni, Via dei Del ni 17, tel. 0689827701, www.cretarome.com.

Dorothy Circus Gallery

Prominent gallery specialising in international pop-surrealist art. Via dei Pettinari 76, tel. 0668805928, www.dorothycircusgallery.com.

Ex Elettrofonica

This architecturally unique contemporary art gallery promotes and supports the work of young international artists. Vicolo S. Onofrio 10-11, tel. 0664760163, www.exelettrofonica.com.

Fondazione Memmo

Contemporary art space that hosts established foreign artists for sitespeci c exhibitions. Via Fontanella Borghese 56b, tel. 0668136598, www.fondazionememmo.it.

Fondazione Pasti cio Cerere

This non-pro t foundation develops and promotes educational projects and residencies for young artists and curators, as well as a programme of exhibitions, lectures, workshops and studio visits. Via degli Ausoni 7, tel. 0645422960, www.pasti ciocerere.com.

Fondazione Volume!

The Volume Foundation exhibits works created speci cally for the gallery with the goal of fusing art and landscape. Via di S. Francesco di Sales 86-88, tel. 06 6892431, www.fondazionevolume.com.

Franz Paludetto

Gallery in S. Lorenzo that promotes the work of Italian and international contemporary artists. Via degli Ausoni 18, www.franzpaludetto.com.

Frutta

This contemporary art gallery supports international and local artists in its unique space. Via dei Salumi 53 tel. 0645508934, www.fruttagallery.com.

Gagosian Gallery

The Rome branch of this international contemporary art gallery hosts some of the biggest names in modern art. Via Francesco Crispi 16, tel.0642086498, www.gagosian.com.

GALLA

Exhibition space designed to showcase original, unconventional art works at a ordable prices by artists working in various elds. Via degli Zingari 28, tel. 3476552515, www.facebook.com/GALLAmonti.

Galleria Alessandro Bonomo

Gallery showing the works of important Italian and international visual artists. Via del Gesù 62, tel. 0669925858, www.bonomogallery.com.

Galleria Valentina Bonomo

Located in a former convent, this gallery hosts both internationally recognised and emerging artists who create works speci cally for the gallery space. Via del Portico d’Ottavia 13, tel. 066832766, www.galleriabonomo.com.

Galleria Frammenti D’Arte

Gallery promoting painting, design and photography by emerging and established Italian and international artists. Via Paola 23, tel. 069357144142, www.fdaproject.com.

Galleria Lorcan O’Neill

High-pro le international artists regularly exhibit at this gallery located near Campo de’ Fiori. Vicolo Dè Catinari 3, tel. 0668892980, www.lorcanoneill.com.

Galleria della Tartaruga

Well-established gallery that has promoted important Italian and foreign artists since 1975. Via Sistina 85/A, tel. 066788956, www.galleriadellatartaruga.com.

Galleria Il Segno

Prestigious gallery showing work by major Italia and international artists since 1957. Via Capo le Case 4, tel. 066791387, www.galleriailsegno.com.

Galleria Mucciaccia

Gallery near Piazza del Popolo promoting established contemporary artists and emerging talents. Largo Fontanella Borghese 89, tel. 0669923801, www.galleriamucciaccia.com.

Galleria Russo

This historic gallery holds group and solo exhibitions showcasing the work of major 20th-century Italian painters alongside promising new Italian artists. Via Alibert 20, tel. 066789949, www.galleriarusso.it.

Galleria Varsi

A dynamic gallery promoting street culture and contemporary art movements. Via di A ogalasino 34, www.galleriavarsi.it.

Gavin Brown's Enterprise

New York gallerist Gavin Brown shows the work of international artists at his Trastevere gallery in a deconsecrated church dating to the eighth century. S. Andrea de Scaphis, Via dei Vascellari 69, www.gavinbrown.biz.

Il Ponte Contemporanea

Hosts exhibitions representing the international scene and contemporary artists of di erent generations. Via Giuseppe Acerbi 31A, tel. 0653098768, www.ilpontecontemporanea.com.

La Nuova Pesa

Well-established gallery showing work by prominent Italian artists. Via del Corso 530, tel. 063610892, www.nuovapesa.it.

MAC Maja Arte Contemporanea

Gallery devoted to exhibitions by prominent Italian artists. Via di Monserrato 30, www.majartecontemporanea.com.

Magazzino d’Arte Moderna

Contemporary art gallery that focuses on young and emerging artists. Via dei Prefetti 17, tel. 066875951, www.magazzinoartemoderna.com.

Monitor

This contemporary art gallery o ers an experimental space for a new generation of artists. Palazzo Sforza Cesarini, Via Sforza Cesarini 43 A, t el. 0639378024, www.monitoronline.org.

Nero Gallery

Space dedicated to showcasing young international artists working in pop surrealism, lowbrow art, dark art, comic art and surrealism. Via Castruccio Castracane 9, tel. 0627801418, www.nerogallery.com.

Nomas Foundation

Nomas Foundation promotes contemporary research in art and experimental exhibitions. Viale Somalia 33, tel. 0686398381, www.nomasfoundation.com. Operativa Arte Contemporanea

A new space oriented towards younger artists. Via del Consolato 10, www.operativa-arte.com.

Pian de Giullari

Art studio-gallery in the house of Carlina and Andrea Bottai showing works by contemporary artists from Rome, Naples and Florence capable of transmitting empathy and emotions. Via dei Cappellari 49, tel. 3397254235, 3663988603, www.piandegiullari2.blogspot.com.

Plus Arte Puls

Cultural association and gallery showing work by important contemporary Italian and international artists. Viale Mazzini 1, tel. 3357010795, www.plusartepuls.com.

Sala 1

This internationally known non-pro t contemporary art gallery provides an experimental research centre for contemporary art, architecture, performance and music. Piazza di Porta S. Giovanni 10, tel. 067008691, www.salauno.com.

S.T. Foto libreria galleria

Gallery in Borgo Pio representing a diverse range of contemporary art photography. Via degli Ombrellari 25, tel. 0664760105, www.stsenzatitolo.it.

Studio Sales di Norberto Ruggeri

The gallery exhibits pieces by both Italian and international contemporary artists particularly minimalist, postmodern and abstract work. Piazza Dante 2, int. 7/A, tel. 0677591122, www.galleriasales.it.

T293

The Rome branch of this contemporary art gallery presents national and international artists and hosts multiple solo exhibitions. Via G. M. Crescimbeni 11, tel. 0688980475, www.t293.it.

The Gallery Apart

This contemporary art gallery supports young artists in their research and assists them in their projects to help them emerge into the international art world. Via Francesco Negri 43, tel. 0668809863, www.thegalleryapart.it.

TraleVolte

Contemporary art gallery focusing on the relationship between art and architecture, hosting solo and group shows of Italian and international artists. Piazza di Porta S. Giovanni 10, tel. 0670491663, www.tralevolte.org.

Von Buren Contemporary Rome-based gallery specialising in a ordable contemporary art by young, emerging Italian artists. Via Giulia 13, tel. 3351633518, www.vonburencontemporary.com.

Wunderkammern

This gallery promotes innovative research of contemporary art. Via Gabrio Serbelloni 124, tel. 0645435662, www.wunderkammern.net.

Z20 Galleria Sara Zanin

Started by art historian Sara Zanin, Z2o Galleria o ers a range of innovative national and international contemporary artists. Via della Vetrina 21, tel. 0670452261, www.z2ogalleria.it.

WHAT’S ON

Edvard Munch at Palazzo Bonaparte. Madonna, 1895. Photo © Munchmuseet. See page 26. where to go in Rome

EXHIBITIONS

CARAVAGGIO 2025

7 MARCH-6 JULY

An exhibition hailed as among the most important and ambitious showcases ever of Caravaggio’s work opens in Rome to coincide with the Vatican’s Jubilee Year. Organisers say the exhibition at Palazzo Barberini comprises an “exceptional number” of paintings by the Baroque master whose full name was Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The exhibited works include loans from prestigious national and international collections as well as two rediscovered masterpieces on display for the first time together and some new discoveries. Organised especially for the 2025 Jubilee Year, the exhibition illustrates how Caravaggio (1571-1610) shaped the artistic, religious and social landscape of his era. Exhibition curators Francesca Cappelletti, Maria Cristina Terzaghi and Thomas Clement Salomon say the show will include Caravaggio’s most celebrated works, as well as lesser-known paintings, and will highlight “the power and modernity” of his art. The exhibited paintings include the Portrait of Maffeo Barberini, recently put on public di-

splay more than 60 years after its rediscovery, as well as loans from outside Italy including Ecce Homo; Saint Catherine of Alexandria; Martha and Mary Magdalene; and Caravaggio’s last painting, The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, completed before the artist’s death aged 38. The exhibition also reunites three works commissioned by the banker and patron of the arts Ottavio

Costa: Judith and Holofernes from Palazzo Barberini alongside two paintings on loan: Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness and Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy. The show is arranged into theme-based sections exploring various aspects of the artist’s career, including the evolution of his style and dramatic use of chiaroscuro. Palazzo Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, www.barberinicorsini.org.

PICASSO LO STRANIERO 27 FEB-29 JUNE

Rome’s Museo del Corso charts the complex identity of Pablo Picasso, one of the most revolutionary artists of the 20th century, with more than 100 works. As the title suggests, (straniero means “foreigner” in Italian), the show focuses on the Spanish artist’s life in France – a country that welcomed him without ever officially recognising him as a citizen – examining how his “outsider” status shaped his artistic vision and influenced his relationships. The exhibition, which comes to Rome after Milan and Mantua, comprises paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics and documents as well as a section devoted

Caravaggio at Palazzo Barberini. I Bari, Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth.

Picasso at Museo Storico della Fanteria. Mediterranean Village Mougins 1937. © Succession Picasso by SIAE 2024.

to Picasso’s enriching time in the Italian capital in 1917. Museo del Corso, Palazzo Cipolla, Via del Corso 320, www.museodelcorso.com.

FLOWERS: FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

14 FEB-14 SEPT

Rome’s Chiostro del Bramante hosts a vibrant exhibition that celebrates the evocative power of flowers, from the Renissance to the age of artificial intelligence. Combining art, science and technology, the exhibition offers a journey through five centuries of art, culture and innovation, from the masterpieces of Jan Brueghel and Ai Weiwei up to contemporary digital art. “Fragile and powerful, flowers speak a universal language capable of spanning centuries and cultures”, providing an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists of all ages, organisers say. The exhibition comprises more than 90 works from prestigious institutions including Rome’s Galleria Borghese, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Petit Palais and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. The show also contains works from the botanical and scientific collections of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

in London and the Museo Civico di Zoologia in Rome. Chiostro del Bramante, Via Arco della Pace 5, www.chiostrodelbramante.it.

I FARNESI NELLA ROMA DEL CINQUECENTO

11 FEB-18 MAY

This exhibition is dedicated to the magnificent Farnese art collection and the influence of Pope Paul III Farnese on the Eternal City during the Jubilee of 1550. Titled The Farnese in 16th-century Rome.

Origins and Fortune of a Collection, the exhibition is being held at Villa Caffarelli, part of the Capitoline Museums. The 140 works on display include ancient sculptures, bronzes, paintings, drawings, manuscripts, gems and coins from the most prestigious collection of works of art and archaeological finds of the Renaissance era. Highlights include portraits by Raphael, Titian and Domenichino as well as Roman sculptures including Ganymede and the Eagle, and Pan and Daphne. Organised to coincide

I Farnese nella Roma del Cinquecento at Villa Caffarelli. Madonna del Divino Amore by Raphael (detail).

Franco Fontana at the Ara Pacis. Phoenix, Ariziona (1979).

with the current Jubilee Year, the exhibition tells the story of the Farnese collection by reconstructing the period of its greatest splendour, from the early 16th century to the start of the 17th century. Many of the exhibited works are on loan from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Capodimonte Museum, the National Library and other Italian and foreign collections, including the J. P. Morgan Library in New York. Villa Caffarelli, Capitoline Museums, www.museicapitolini.org.

MUNCH: THE INNER SCREAM

11 FEB-2 JUNE

Palazzo Bonaparte is to host a major exhibition dedicated to the work of Norwegian painter Edvard Munch in what is billed as the largest such retrospective ever held in Italy. The exhibition, which features 100 masterpieces on loan from the Munch Museum in Oslo, comes to Rome from

Milan in what organisers say was the most visited show in Italy in 2024. The Rome exhibition, which has a new layout, arrives 20 years after the last show devoted to the Norwegian master (1863–1944) whose paintings are celebrated for delving into the deepest anxieties of the human soul. Curated by Munch expert Patricia G. Berman, the exhibition features Munch’s best known works including Despair, Melancholy, Dancing on a Shore, Girls on the Bridge, The Death of Marat, Starry Night and also one of the versions of The Scream Palazzo Bonaparte, Piazza Venezia 5, www.mostrepalazzobonaparte.it.

SALVADOR DALI: TRA ARTE E MITO

25 JAN-27 JULY

The Museo Storico della Fanteria showcases works by Surrealist master Salvador Dalí and other European artists and writers linked to the Surrealism movement. Titled

Between Art and Myth, the exhibition comprises around 80 works including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, books and photographs, on loan from private collections in France and Italy. The exhibited works chart the development of Dalí’s career, from the early days up to the final years of his life. Other artists and writers represented in the exhibition include René Magritte, Max Ernst, André Masson, Man Ray, Leonor Fini, Giorgio de Chirico, along with writers André Breton, Jean Cocteau and Louis Aragon. The Museo Storico della Fanteria is located in Piazza Santa Croce in Gerusalemme 7. Mon-Fri 09.30-19.30. Sat-Sun 09.30 to 20.30. For information and booking contact prenotazioni@navigaresrl.com.

FRANCO FONTANA: RETROSPECTIVE

13 DEC-31 AUG

Rome hosts a retrospective dedicated to the work of Franco Fonta-

Edvard Munch at Palazzo Bonaparte. Rosso e bianco, 1899–1900. Photo © Munchmuseet.

na, the Italian photographer best known for his brilliantly-coloured landscapes, at the Ara Pacis Museum. Described as “a celebration of geometric lines and an explosion of colours”, the exibition is billed as the first major retrospective devoted to the 90-year-old photographer from Modena. One of the greatest Italian photographers of the 20th century, Fontana’s photos have been used as cover art for jazz records and his vibrant style has been referred to as Photographic Trans-avantgarde. The Rome exhibition features more than 200 images, including American landscapes, cityscapes and and swimming pools as well as his iconic portrayals of the Appian Way and Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome. See cover of this edition. Ara Pacis, Lungotevere in Augusta, www.arapacis.it.

TITINA MASELLI

12 DEC-21 APRIL

Rome marks the centenary of the birth of Tatina Maselli with a major restrospective in her honour at Casino dei Principi of Villa Torlonia and La Sapienza University. The exhibition traces the entire career of Maselli, one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century, whose work incorporated various movements without ever adhering to one in particular. Starting with the Scuola romana, Maselli embraced Futurism before creating works that seemed to anticipate Pop Art, all the while maintaining a fresh approach. The exhibition is centred around themes dear to the artist, who died in 2005, including portraits and self-portraits, sport, urban landscapes, theatre and still lifes. Casino dei Principi, Villa Torlonia, Via Nomentana 70, www. museivillatorlonia.it.

IL TEMPO DEL FUTURISMO

3 DEC-27 APRIL

The Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna in Rome stages a major exhibition dedicated to Futurism to mark the 80th anniversary of the death of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti who founded the Italian art movement in 1909. The exhibition focuses on the relationship between

art and science/technology, illustrating the Futurism manifesto which celebrates the impact of “the great discoveries of science” on the human psyche. The show highlights the concepts of speed, machinery and industry evident in the masterpieces of Futurism within the context of an era revolutionised by scientific and technological innovations. On display are about 350 works including paintings, sculptures, projects, drawings, furniture, films, books and posters, with a focus on the literary roots of the Marinetti movement, along with a seaplane, cars, motorcycles and vintage scientific instruments. The exhibited works come from Italian and international museums, including loans from MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Estorick Collection in London and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag in The Hague. Viale delle Belle Arti 131, www.lagallerianazionale.com.

GUGLIELMO MARCONI: VEDERE L’INVISIBILE

8 NOV-25 APRIL

An exhibition in Rome celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor and electrical engineer who pioneered the science of radio communication. The exhibition, part of Italy’s celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Marconi’s birth, takes place at the Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia. Known as the father of radio, Marconi developed and marketed the first successful long-distance wireless telegraph and in 1901 broadcast

the first transatlantic radio signal. The exhibition features hundreds of documents, photos, artefacts and archive film footage, exploring the innovations that brought Marconi to international prominence as well as providing insights into the private life of the inventor from Bologna. For visiting details see website, www.vive.cultura.gov.it.

ROMA PITTRICE

25 OCT-4 MAY

The Museo di Roma at Palazzo Braschi presents an exhibition dedicated to women artists active in Rome between the 16th and 19th centuries. The exhibition comprises more than 130 works, many displayed publicly for the first time, by 56 artists. Organisers say the aim of the show is to highlight the paintings and careers of these artists who were often overlooked due to lack of documentation or because their works had been attributed to male painters. The artists whose work is exhibited include Maria Felice Tibaldi Subleyras, Angelika Kaufmann, Laura Piranesi, Marianna Candidi Dionigi, Louise Seidler and Emma Gaggiotti. The exhibition also includes works by famed painters including Lavinia Fontana, Artemisia Gentileschi and Giovanna Garzoni as well as lesser-known artists such as Giustiniana Guidotti, Ida Botti or Amalia De Angelis. Many of the works on display come from Rome’s city museums, with other paintings on loan from prestigious national and international collections. Palazzo Braschi, Piazza di S. Pantaleo 10, www.museodiroma.it.

Futurism exhibition at GNAM. Photo ©Emanuele Antonio Minerva - Agnese Sbaffi, courtesy Ministero della Cultura.

CLASSICAL

SOKHIEV / VARDAI

1 MARCH

A tribute to Shostakovich for conductor Tugan Sokhiev with two diametrically opposed works: the spectacular and brilliant Festive Overture and the meditative, twilight Cello Concerto No. 2, with cellist István Várdai and the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. The programme concludes with an immersion into the colours and melodies of the Orient from Scheherazade by RimskyKorsakov. 18.00.

LE AVVENTURE DEL BAMBINO

DI LEGNO

2-3, 17 MARCH

Concert-play with the JuniOrchestra Teen, Laboratorio Corale 2, Schola Cantorum. 2 March 16.00, 3 March 10.30, 17 March 10.30.

SANTA CECILIA CHORUS

5 MARCH

A French atmosphere pervades the concert featuring the Santa Cecilia Chorus, conducted by Andrea Secchi, performing the famous Requiem by Gabriel Fauré in a “chamber” version closer to the composer’s original idea. The softness of Fauré’s music is echoed in Nuages, a premiere by Roman composer Matteo D’Amico, written specifically for our choir and inspired by late 19th-century French poetry. 20.30.

SANTA CECILIA ORCHESTRA

6-8 MARCH

Robert Treviño conducts the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, with Spanish pianist Javier Perianes, performing The Magic Flute: Overture and Piano Concerto No. 23 K 488 by Mozart, and Symphonia Domestica by Strauss. 6 March 19.30, 7 March 20.30, 8 March 18.00.

GRIGORY SOKHOLOV

10 MARCH

The celebrated Russian pianist

Grigory Sokolov performs works by Byrd and Brahms. The Academia di Santa Cecilia says: “Grigory Sokolov’s mastery of tonal exploration, precise phrasing, strict adherence to the text, and flawless technique make him an absolute star of contemporary concert performance. His interpretations of a vast repertoire ensure that each concert by the Russian pianist is unforgettable—and unmissable.” 20.30.

BRAHMS DOUBLE CONCERT

13-15 MARCH

German conductor Thomas Guggeis leads the Santa Cecilia Orchestra with Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich and Italian violoncellist Ettore Pagano performing music by Brahms, Liszt and Strauss. 13 March 19.30. 14 March 20.30. 15 March 18.00.

JOSHUA BELL

17 MARCH

Celebrated American violinist Joshua Bell, this season’s artist-in-residence at Santa Cecilia, will be the protagonist of two masterpieces of chamber music literature. Joining him is clarinetist Alessandro Carbonare, as soloist, and the musicians of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra, performing music by Brahms and Mendelssohn. 20.30.

DANIEL HARDING

20-22 MARCH

Daniel Harding conducts the Orchestra and Chorus of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, with soprano Roberta Mantegna and chorus master Andrea Secchi, performing Sacred Pieces by Verdi and Symphony No. 2 “Asrael” by Suk. 20 March 19.30, 21 March 20.30, 22 March 18.00.

FAMILY CONCERT

23 MARCH

Family concert with music by Mozart, Françaix, Jacob and Süss-

mayr. Aimed at a broad audience, the Family Concerts are designed for young people, students, and families who wish to establish a lighthearted yet engaging relationship with the experience of musical listening. The concerts, lasting a maximum of one hour and without an intermission, are preceded by an introduction to the program and offer a wide variety of repertoires and ensembles. 11.00.

VIKTORI MULLOVA - MISHA MULLOV-ABBADO

26 MARCH

Violinist Viktoria Mullova and double bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado, mother and son, perform The music we love, a programme featuring classical, pop and jazz works, reflecting the joy of making music together and exploring diverse musical tastes, from Bach to Schumann, from Carlos Jobim to Abreu’s Tico-Tico. 20.30.

JAKUB HRUSA - BEATRICE RANA

27-29 MARCH

Jakub Hrůša conducts the Santa Cecilia Orchestra with pianist Beatrice Rana performing music by Bizet, Montalbetti and Ravel. 27 March 19.30, 28 March 20.30, 29 March 18.00.

All concerts take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Viale P. de Coubertin 30. For more details including tickets see S. Cecilia website, www.santacecilia.it.

Daniel Harding conducts the Santa Cecilia orchestra and chorus performing music by Verdi and Suk.

opera

TOSCA

1-6 MARCH

Rome’s opera house celebrates the 125th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca which premiered in the Italian capital on 14 January 1900. A new production of the three-act opera classic, conducted by Daniel Oren and directed by Alessandro Talevi, follows an earlier version in Rome in January, conducted by Michele Mariotti and Francesco Ivan Ciampa, and ahead of another production in May, conducted by James Conlon. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli, www.operaroma.it.

ALCINA

18-26 MARCH

Rinaldo Alessandrini conducts and Pierre Audi directs Händel’s opera in three acts. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli, www.operaroma.it.

MICHELE MARIOTTI

22 MARCH

Michele Mariotti conducts the Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro

FESTIVALS

ROMA WHISKY FESTIVAL

1-2 MARCH

Rome hosts a two-day festival showcasing a vast range of whisky, from well-known to rare, and includes tastings and masterclasses by industry experts. The 13th edition of the whiskey festival also includes stands dedicated to cognac, armagnac, brandy and rum. Salone delle Fontane, EUR, www. romawhiskyfestival.it.

LIBRI COME

21-23 MARCH

The 16th edition of Libri Come, Rome’s annual festival devoted to books and reading, takes place at

dell’Opera di Roma in a performance of Brahms’ Ein Deustches Requiem, with choir master Ciro Visco, soprano Carolina López Moreno and baritone Derek Welton. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli, www.operaroma.it.

CARACALLA FESTIVAL

29 JUNE-7 AUG

Rome’s opera house has unveiled its programme for its open-air summer festival at the Baths of Caracalla. Under the title “Between the Sacred and the Human,” the 2025 edition of the Caracalla Festival will comprise a diverse range of genres including opera, musicals, dance, sacred music and pop concerts. The festival opens on the feast of Rome’s patron saints Peter and Paul with a special event linked to the Jubilee Year at a new location in addition to the Baths of Caracalla: the Basilica of Maxentius in the Roman Forum. The ancient venue, which dates to the fourth century, will host operatic productions for the first time, offering a “more intimate stage” according to the festival’s director Damiano Michieletto. Central to the 2025 programme are four new productions: Handel’s Resurrection, Verdi’s La Traviata, Mozart’s

the Auditorium Parco Della Musica. Under the title Pace, the festival programme features meetings, readings, shows and exhibitions with many names from Italian and world literature. Participating writers confirmed so far include Shirin Ebadi, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Nathan Thrall, Amitav Ghosh and Colm Tóibín. For full details see official website, www.auditorium.com.

IRISH FILM FESTA

26-30 MARCH

The Irish Film Festa, the festival dedicated to Irish cinema and culture, returns to Rome’s Casa del Cinema in Villa Borghese from 26-30 March. The event, now in its 16th edition, offers the public a wide selection of feature film premieres and meetings with actors and filmmakers as well as a short-

Don Giovanni and Bernstein’s West Side Story, directed respectively by Ilaria Lanzino, Sláva Daubnerová, Vasily Barkhatov and Damiano Michieletto. The festival’s dance section will see the opera house’s ballet corps, directed by Eleonora Abbagnato, stage two contemporary classics: Ravel’s Bolero directed by Maurice Béjart and Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du printemps with the choreography of Pina Bausch. Dance fans can also look forward to the traditional performance by Roberto Bolle and Friends. Among the acts confirmed for the series of pop concerts, starting on 3 June, are Antonello Venditti, Alessandra Amoroso, Fiorella Mannoia and Giovanni Allevi. The programme closes with La Pasión según San Marcos by Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov. Tickets for the festival are currently on sale at the box office of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and online via www.ticketone.it.

film competition. The films are screened in their original language with Italian subtitles, with free entry to the venue until full capacity is reached. Casa del Cinema, Largo Marcello Mastroianni, www.irishfilmfesta.org.

Poster for Tosca at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.

Theatre

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: ALEGRIA

1 MARCH-13 APRIL

The famed Canadian circus company Cirque du Soleil stages its classic Alegría in Rome, under the big top at Tor di Quinto. The family-friendly show blends a power struggle in a kingless realm with youthful hope, in a “magical, immersive spectacle full of iconic music, stunning acrobatics, vibrant sets and whimsical humour.” The production lasts 125 minutes including intermission. For full details including tickets see Cirque du Soleil website, www.cirquedusoleil. com/it.

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW

26-30 MARCH

Billed as an unmissable show for adults and children, Slava’s Snowshow promises “emotions, laughter,

poetry and so much sweetness”, conjuring up magical snowstorms on the cold Russian steppes. Described as poetic, universal and timeless, the show created by Slava Polunin is not suitable for

children under 8 years old. The production by the Accademia Filarmonica Romana is held in collaboration with Teatro Olimpico. Piazza Gentile da Fabriano 17, www.teatroolimpico.it.

Cirque du Soleil stages its classic Alegría in the big top at Tor di Quinto.

Slava’s Snowshow. Photo Veronique Vial.

CULTURE NEWS

ITALY SEEKS TO FILL TOP MUSEUM ROLES

Italy’s culture ministry has published an international call for directors of five state museums and archaeological parks of national importance, with a deadline of 6 March. The five sites include the Colosseum Archaeological Park; the Royal Museums of Turin; the Galleria dell’Accademia and Bargello Museums in Florence; the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN); and the Museo Nazionale Romano network of Rome museums which incorporates Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, the Baths of Diocletian and Palazzo Massimo. The four-year position can be renewed for a further four years, with applications to be evaluated by a panel of experts in law, cultural heritage management, economics and business organisation. It remains to be seen if the new culture minister Alessandro Giuli will continue the alleged preference of his predecessor Gennaro Sangiuliano in favouring Italian candidates over foreigners for top museum jobs. Two of the sites – the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Museo Nazionale Romano – were until recently under the management of nonItalian directors: German Cecilie Hollberg and French Stéphane Verger respectively.

In 2015, the left-wing then culture minister Dario Franceschini unveiled radical reforms of how Italy managed its museum sector, introducing a transparent public selection process to hire the best qualified directors or “super managers” from either Italy or abroad. Despite some obstacles, the reforms led to Rome giving seven out of 20 top museum jobs to non-Italians at the time, including Hollberg at the Galleria dell’Accademia, German Eike Schmidt at the Uffizi, British-Canadian James Bradburne at the Pinacoteca di Brera, and French Sylvain Bellenger at the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples.

NEW DISCOVERIES IN POMPEII

Archaeologists in Pompeii have unearthed a large fresco cycle that sheds new light on religious rituals in the ancient city. The frieze, which dates to the first century BC, was discovered in a banquet hall in the Regio IX

area of Pompeii, which was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The frescoes represent scenes of the initiation rites into the Greco-Roman cult of Dionysus, known as the Dionysian Mysteries, for followers of the ancient Greek god of wine-making and religious ecstasy. The frieze of almost life-size dimensions, or “megalography”, dates to 40-30 BC and was found in the newly christened House of Thiasos, more than a century after the discovery of the nearby Villa of the Mysteries in 1909. The unearthed images portray followers of Dionysus, dancers, female hunters with sacrificed animals, and satyrs with pointed ears. Hailing the “historic” discovery, culture minister Alessandro Giuli said the fresco “opens another window into the rituals of the mysteries of Dionysus”.

NETFLIX TACKLES IL GATTOPARDO

The Leopard, a new Netflix series set for release on 5 March, is a big-budget adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s 1958 Italian novel Il Gattopardo. The book, which chronicles the changes in Sicilian society during the unification of Italy, is considered one of the most important novels in modern Italian literature. The story is set primarily in 1860, during the time of the Risorgimento, when Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Redshirts swept through Sicily with the proletariat army known as The Thousand. The new six-part miniseries stars Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, whose privileged life is endangered when the unification of Italy threatens to dismantle the Sicilian aristocracy.

To protect his lineage, the Sicilian prince arranges a marriage between the beautiful Angelica (Deva Cassel) to his nephew Tancredi (Saul Nanni), breaking the heart of Corbera’s daughter Concetta (Benedetta Porcaroli). Il Gattopardo was published in 1958 by the fledgling Feltrinelli, after being rejected by other leading publishing houses, the year after its author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa died aged 60. In 1959 the book won Italy’s highest award for fiction, the Strega Prize, and went on to become the top-selling novel in Italian history.

Andy Devane

The Leopard. Photo Netflix Italia.

Photo Archaeological Park of Pompeii

The following is a list of the main musical associations in Rome but it is not a deﬁnitive list of all the music that is available in the city There are also concerts in many of the churches and sometimes in the museums.

Auditorium Conciliazione, Via della Conciliazione 4, www.auditoriumconciliazione.it

MUSIC THE A TRE CINEMA VENUES

TRE MUSIC THEATRE CINEMA DANCE OPERA

Auditorium Parco della Musica, Viale P de Coubertin 30, www.auditorium.com

Olimpico, Piazza Gentile da Fabriano 17, www.filarmonicaromana.org. The new season starts on 15 Oct

Accademia Filarmonica Romana, Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Gentile da Fabriano 17, www.filarmonicaromana.org. The new season starts on 15 Oct

Accademia S. Cecilia, www.santacecilia.it. All concerts at Auditorium Parco della Musica. The new season starts on 5 Oct

Istituzione Universitaria dei Concerti, Aula Magna, Università la Sapienza, www.concertiiuc.it

Accademia S. Cecilia, www.santacecilia.it. All concerts at Auditorium Parco della Musica. The new season starts on 5 Oct

Oratorio del Gonfalone, Via del Gonfalone 32a, www.oratoriogonfalone.com

Istituzione Universitaria dei Concerti, Aula Magna, Università la Sapienza, www.concertiiuc.it

classical cinema

RomeConcerts, Methodist Church, Piazza Ponte S. Angelo, www.romeconcerts.it

Oratorio del Gonfalone, Via del Gonfalone 32a, www.oratoriogonfalone.com

Roma Sinfonietta, Auditorium Ennio Morricone, Torvergata, www.romasinfonietta.com

RomeConcerts, Methodist Church, Piazza Ponte S. Angelo, www.romeconcerts.it

Roma Tre Orchestra, some concerts are at Teatro Palladium, Piazza Bartolomeo Romano 8, teatropalladium.uniroma3.it, while others are at the Aula Magna, Scuola Lettere Filosofia Lingue, Universita Roma Tre, Via Ostienze 234, www.r30.org

Roma Sinfonietta, Auditorium Ennio Morricone, Torvergata, www.romasinfonietta.com

There are often concerts, festivals and opera recitals in several churches in Rome.

All Saints' Anglican Church, Via Babuino 153, www.allsaintsrome.org

There are often concerts, festivals and opera recitals in several churches in Rome.

All Saints' Anglican Church, Via Babuino 153, www.allsaintsrome.org

Ponte S. Angelo Methodist Church, Ponte S. Angelo, www.methodistchurchrome.com

Oratorio del Caravita, Via della Caravita 7

Ponte S. Angelo Methodist Church, Ponte S. Angelo, www.methodistchurchrome.com

Oratorio del Caravita, Via della Caravita 7

St Paul's Within the Walls, Via Nazionale and the corner of Via Nazionale, www.stpaulsrome.it

S. Agnese in Agone, Sagrestia del Borromini, Piazza Navona

St Paul's Within the Walls, Via Nazionale and the corner of Via Nazionale, www.stpaulsrome.it

S. Agnese in Agone, Sagrestia del Borromini, Piazza Navona

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj hosts a series called Opera Serenades by Night with Dinner throughout the year. There is a concert, a tour of the museum and dinner afterwards. Via del Corso 305, www.doriapamphilj.com

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj hosts a series called Opera Serenades by Night with Dinner throughout the year There is a concert, a tour of the museum and dinner afterwards. Via del Corso 305, www.doriapamphilj.com

cinema

The following cinemas show movies in English or original language, and sometimes foreign ﬁlm festivals.

Adriano, Piazza Cavour 22, tel. 0636767

The following cinemas show movies in English or original language, and sometimes foreign ﬁlm festivals. See Wanted in Rome website for weekly updates.

Barberini, Piazza Barberini 24-26, tel. 0686391361

Adriano, Piazza Cavour 22, tel. 0636767

Casa del Cinema, Largo Marcello Mastroianni 1, tel. 06423601, www.casadelcinema.it

Barberini, Piazza Barberini 24-26, tel. 0686391361

Cinema dei Piccoli, Viale della Pineta 15, tel. 068553485

Casa del Cinema, Largo Marcello Mastroianni 1, tel. 06423601, www.casadelcinema.it

Farnese Persol, Piazza Campo de’ Fiori 56, tel. 066864395, www.cinemafarnesepersol.com

Cinema dei Piccoli, Viale della Pineta 15, tel. 068553485

Greenwich, Via G. Bodoni 59, tel. 065745825

Intrastevere, Vicolo Moroni 3, tel. 065884230

Farnese Persol, Piazza Campo de’ Fiori 56, tel. 066864395, www.cinemafarnesepersol.com

Lux, Via Massaciuccoli 31, tel. 0686391361

Greenwich, Via G. Bodoni 59, tel. 065745825

Intrastevere, Vicolo Moroni 3, tel. 065884230

Nuovo Olimpia, Via in Lucina 16/g, tel. 066861068

Lux, Via Massaciuccoli 31, tel. 0686391361

Nuovo Sacher, Largo Ascianghi 1, tel. 065818116

Odeon, Piazza Stefano Jacini 22, tel. 0686391361

Nuovo Olimpia, Via in Lucina 16/g, tel. 066861068

Space Moderno, Piazza della Repubblica 44, tel. 06892111

Nuovo Sacher, Largo Ascianghi 1, tel. 065818116

Odeon, Piazza Stefano Jacini 22, tel. 0686391361

Space Parco de’ Medici, Viale Salvatore Rebecchini 3-5, tel. 06892111

Space Moderno, Piazza della Repubblica 44, tel. 06892111

Troisi, Via Girolamo Induno 1, www.cinematroisi.it.

Space Parco de’ Medici, Viale Salvatore Rebecchini 3-5, tel. 06892111

dance opera

Teatro Costanzi, Teatro Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1, ww Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Gentile da Fabriano 17, www.teatroolimpico.it

Teatro Costanzi, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1, www.operaroma.it

Teatro Vascello, Via Giacinto Carini 78, www.teatrovascello.it

Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Gentile da Fabriano 17, www.teatroolimpico.it

Teatro Vascello, Via Giacinto Carini 78, www.teatrovascello.it

rock pop

Concert venues ranging from major pop and rock groups to jazz and acoustic gigs.

Alexanderplatz, Via Ostia 9, tel. 0683775604 www.alexanderplatzjazzclub.it

Concert venues ranging from major pop and rock groups to jazz and acoustic gigs.

Teatro Costanzi, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1, www.operaroma.it

Laniﬁcio 159, Via di Pietralata 159, tel. 0641780081, www.lanificio159.com

Live Alcazar, Via Cardinale Merry del Val 14, tel. 065810388, www.livealcazar.com

Alexanderplatz, Via Ostia 9, tel. 0683775604 www.alexanderplatzjazzclub.it

Angelo Mai Altrove, Via delle Terme di Caracalla 55, www.angelomai.org

Atlantico, Viale dell’Oceano Atlantico 271d, tel. 065915727, www.atlanticoroma.it

Auditorium Parco della Musica, Viale P de Coubertin, tel. 06892982, www.auditorium.com

Casa del Jazz, Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55, tel. 06704731, www.casajazz.it

Auditorium Parco della Musica, Viale P de Coubertin, tel. 06892982, www auditorium.com

theatreCasa del Jazz, Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55, tel. 06704731, www.casajazz.it

theatre

Teatro Argentina, Largo di Torre Argentina 52, tel. 06684000314, www.teatrodiroma.net

Teatro Belli, Piazza di S. Apollonia 11, tel. 065894875, www.teatrobelli.it

Teatro Argentina, Largo di Torre Argentina 52, tel. 06684000314, www.teatrodiroma.net

Teatro Belli, Piazza di S. Apollonia 11, tel. 065894875, www.teatrobelli.it

Teatro Brancaccio, Via Merulana 244, tel. 0680687231 www.teatrobrancaccio.it

Teatro Ghione, Via delle Fornaci 37, tel. 066372294 www.teatroghione.it

Teatro Brancaccio, Via Merulana 244, tel. 0680687231 www.teatrobrancaccio.it

Teatro Ghione, Via delle Fornaci 37, tel. 066372294 www.teatroghione.it

Teatro India, Lungotevere Vittorio Gassman 1, tel. 06684000311, www.teatrodiroma.net

Live Alcazar, Via Cardinale Merry del Val 14, tel. 065810388, www.livealcazar.com

Monk Club, Via Giuseppe Mirri 35, tel. 0664850987, www.monkroma.it

PalaLottomatica, Piazzale dello Sport 1, tel. 06540901, www.palalottomatica.it

Monk Club, Via Giuseppe Mirri 35, tel. 0664850987, www.monkroma.it

PalaLottomatica, Piazzale dello Sport 1, tel. 06540901, www.palalottomatica.it

Rock in Roma, Via Appia Nuova 1245, tel. 0654220870 www.rockinroma.com

Teatro Quirinetta, Via Marco Minghetti 5, tel. 0669925616, www.quirinetta.com

Unplugged in Monti, Blackmarket, Via Panisperna 101, www.unpluggedinmonti.com

Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Gentile da Fabriano 17, tel. 063265991, www.teatroolimpico.it

Teatro S. Genesio, Via Podgora 1, tel. 063223432, www.teatrosangenesio.it

Teatro S. Genesio, Via Podgora 1, tel. 063223432 www.teatrosangenesio.it

Teatro Sistina, Via Sistina 129, tel. 064200711, www.ilsistina.it

Teatro Vascello, Via Giacinto Carini 78, tel 065898031 www.teatrovascello.it

Teatro Vascello, Via Giacinto Carini 78, tel. 065898031, www.teatrovascello.it

Teatro Vittoria, Piazza di S. Maria Liberatrice 10, tel. 065781960, www.teatrovittoria.it

By Kate Zagorski

GNOCCHI ALLA ROMANA

The Roman take on gnocchi is a far cry from the pillowy potato dumplings usually associated with the name. Golden medallions made of semolina our, milk, butter and parmesan are layered, covered with more butter and cheese, and baked in the oven until crisp to create a soul-nourishing bowl of comfort.

Interestingly, the use of ingredients such as butter and parmesan rather than the local Lazio olive oil and pecorino cheese, suggests that there was a northern in uence on the recipe’s origins, perhaps from Piemonte, but nowadays, as the name con rms, the dish has earned its deserved place in the catalogue of cucina romana.

The dough is simple and, as it needs time to cool in the fridge, can be made in advance. The basic recipe calls for the gnocchi to be covered with butter and parmesan before baking but the version below takes it a step further by also using fresh sage and garlic (if desired) to add extra avour and aroma.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

250g semolina our 125g butter

1 litre milk

2 egg yolks

140g parmesan, grated 1 bunch fresh sage

1 clove garlic (optional) Salt

Nutmeg

• Heat the milk in a saucepan along with 25g of the butter, a pinch of salt and a generous grating of nutmeg. Once the milk begins to boil, gradually add the semolina our, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps forming. Keep stirring the mixture over a low heat for a few minutes until it begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and stir in the egg yolks with a spoon. Add 100g of the parmesan and mix well until everything is combined.

• Pour the mixture onto a sheet of baking paper, divide into two and roll each piece with your ngers to form two long cylinders about 5cm wide. Roll each piece separately in baking paper and place in the fridge for at least half an hour to cool completely. When you are ready to bake the gnocchi, heat the oven to 200°C and grease a baking dish.

• Take the cylinders out of the fridge, remove the baking paper and use a sharp, wet knife to cut them into circular medallions about 1cm thick. Meanwhile heat the remaining butter in a small saucepan with a few fresh sage leaves and a whole clove of garlic (if desired). Once the butter has melted and infused, discard the garlic leaving the sage leaves.

• Layer the gnocchi all over the base of the baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour the sage butter all over the surface of the gnocchi, sprinkle over the remaining parmesan and top with a few more fresh sage leaves.

• Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve immediately.

The best cheap seafood in rome

It’s difficult to dine out on a delicious fish supper without breaking the bank, which is why we have put together this list of five small osterie and trattorie that serve high quality and fairly priced fish dishes.

S. LORENZO

DA FRANCO AR VICOLETTO

At Franco al Vicoletto in S. Lorenzo you can enjoy simple fresh fish dishes. There’s a set menu costing between €25 to €30 or you can order from the à la carte menu. The ‘Tiberio’ menu starting at €25 includes a mixed seafood salad, sautéed mussels and clams, fried vegetables and anchovies with octopus, a mixed fish grill, lemon sorbet and a quarter of a litre of house wine.

TRASTEVERE

PEPPO AL COSIMATO

Peppo al Cosimato serves traditional peasant fish recipes. The eatery opened on Via Natale del Grande in 2017 under the former owners of Caffè Perù. Among the dishes on offer, you can enjoy bruschette with marinated anchovies and mackerel (€3), lasagne with cuttlefish (€10), and the catch of the day (€14). It’s a large restaurant with an outdoor terrace.

PIGNETO

LA SANTERIA DI MARE

This locally named ‘pizzicheria di pesce' (fish delicatessen) in Pigneto has a laid back, retro feel. We highly recommend the fish pagnotelle (small round loaves) for €10 and the greater amberjack fish alla cacciatore for €12.

TORMARANCIA

LA VONGOLA VORACE

This small trattoria serving fish in Tormarancia offers, among many dishes, a fish trio (panzanella salad with shell fish, cured salmon and marinated anchovies) and pici (pasta) with clams for €10.

APPIO AND BARBERINI

LA PESCERIA RE DI ROMA E BARBERINI

This fantastic fishmonger has both a small restaurant and a street food stall. You choose your preferred fish at the bar and then sit down to eat. The spaghetti alle vongole for €12.50, fried calamari for €10.50 and fish balls for €9.50 come highly recommended.

www.puntarellarossa.it

Da Franco Ar Vicoletto, Via Dei Falisci 2, tel. 064957675.

La Santeria di Mare, Via Del Pigneto 209, tel. 0689230730.

Peppo al Cosimato, Via Natale del Grande 9, tel. 065812048.

La Vongola Vorace, Largo Luigi Antonelli 15, tel. 0631055314.

La Pesceria Re di Roma, Via Appia 234, tel. 3938834361.

La Pesceria Barberini, Via di S. Nicola da Tolentino 23, tel. 0642903789.

Associations

American International Club of Rome tel. 0645447625, www.aicrome.org

American Women’s Association of Rome tel. 064825268, www.awar.org

Association of British Expats in Italy britishexpatsinitaly@gmail.com

Canadian Club of Rome canadarome@gmail.com

Circolo di Cultura Mario Mieli

Gay and lesbian international contact group, tel. 065413985, www.mariomieli.net

Commonwealth Club of Rome ccrome08@gmail.com

Daughters of the American Revolution Pax Romana Chapter NSDAR paxromana@daritaly.com, www.daritaly.com

Books

The following bookshops and libraries have books in English and other languages as specified.

Almost Corner Bookshop

Via del Moro 45, tel. 065836942

Anglo American Bookshop

Via delle Vite 27, tel. 066795222

Bibliothèque Centre Culturel

Saint-Louis de France (French)

Largo Toniolo 20-22, tel. 066802637 www.saintlouisdefrance.it

La librerie Française de Rome La Procure (French)

Piazza S. Luigi dei Francesi 23, tel. 0668307598, www.libreriefrancaiserome.com

Libreria Feltrinelli International Via V.E. Orlando 84, tel. 064827878, www.lafeltrinelli.it

Religious

All Saints’ Anglican Church

Via del Babuino 153/b tel. 0636001881

Sunday service 08.30 and 10.30

Anglican Centre

Piazza del Collegio Romano 2, tel. 066780302, www.anglicancentreinrome.com

Beth Hillel (Jewish Progressive Community) tel. 3899691486, www.bethhillelroma.org

Bible Baptist Church

Via di Castel di Leva 326, tel. 3342934593, www.bbcroma.org, Sunday 11.00

Christian Science Services

Via Stresa 41, tel. 063014425

Church of All Nations

Lungotevere Michelangelo 7, tel. 069870464

Church of Sweden

Via A. Beroli 1/e, tel. 068080474, Sunday service 11.15 (Swedish)

International Women’s Club of Rome tel. 0633267490, www.iwcofrome.it

Irish Club of Rome

irishclubofrome@gmail.com, www.irishclubofrome.org

Luncheon Club of Rome tel. 3338466820

Patrons of Arts in the Vatican Museums tel. 0669881814, www.vatican-patrons.org

Professional Woman’s Association www.pwarome.org

United Nations Women’s Guild tel. 0657053628, unwg@fao.org, www.unwgrome.multiply.com

Welcome Neighbor tel. 3479313040, dearprome@tele2.it, www.wntome-homepage.blogspot.com

Libreria Quattro Fontane (international) Via delle Quattro Fontane 20/a, tel. 064814484

Libreria Spagnola Sorgente (Spanish) Piazza navona 90, tel. 0668806950, www.libreriaspagnola.it

Open Door Bookshop (second hand books English, French, German, Italian) Via della Lungaretta 23, tel. 065896478, www.books-in-italy.com

Otherwise

Via del Governo Vecchio, tel. 066879825, www.otherwisebookshop.com

Footsteps Inter-Denominational Christian

South Rome, tel. 0650917621, 3332284093, North Rome, tel. 0630894371, akfsmes.styles@tiscali.it

International Central Gospel Church Via XX Settembre 88, tel. 0655282695

International Christian Fellowship Via Guido Castelnuovo 28, tel. 065594266, Sunday service 11.00

Jewish Community

Tempio Maggiore, Lungotevere Cenci, tel. 066840061

Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas

Largo della Sanità Militare 60, tel. 067726761

Lutheran Church

Via Toscana 7, corner Via Sicilia 70, tel. 064817519, Sunday service 10.00 (German)

Ponte S. Angelo Methodist Church

Piazza Ponte S. Angelo, tel. 066868314, Sunday Service 10.30

Pontifical Irish College (Roman Catholic)

Via dei SS. Quattro 1, tel. 06772631. Sunday service 10.00

Roma Baptist Church

Piazza S. Lorenzo in Lucina 35, tel. 066876652, 066876211, Suday service 10.30, 13.00 (Filipino), 16.00 (Chinese)

Roma Buddhist Centre Vihara

Via Mandas 2, tel. 0622460091

Rome International Church

Via Cassia km 16, www.romeinternational.org

Rome Mosque (Centro Islamico)

Via della Moschea, tel. 068082167, 068082258

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

Via XX Settembre 7, tel. 064827627, Sunday service 11.00

St Francis Xavier del Caravita (Roman Catholic)

Via Caravita 7, www.caravita.org, Sunday service 11.00

Support groups

Alcoholics Anonymous tel. 064742913, www.aarome.com

Archè (HIV+children and their families) tel. 0677250350, www.arche.it

Associazione Centro Astalli (Jesuit refugee centre) Via degli Astalli 14/a, tel. 0669700306

Associazione Ryder Italia (Support for cancer patients and their families) tel. 065349622/06582045580, www.ryderitalia.it

Astra (Anti-stalking risk assessment) tel. 066535499, www.differenzadonna.it

Caritas soup kitchen

(Mensa Giovanni Paolo II) Via delle Sette Sale 30, tel. 0647821098, 11.00-13.30 daily

Caritas foreigners’ support centre Via delle Zoccolette 19, tel. 066875228, 06681554

Caritas hostel

Via Marsala 109, tel. 064457235

Caritas legal assistance

Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano 6/a, tel. 0669886369

Celebrate Recovery Christian group tel. 3381675680

Transport

• Atac (Rome bus, metro and tram) tel. 800431784, www.atac.roma.it

• Ciampino airport tel.06794941, www.adr.it

• Fiumicino airport tel. 0665951, www.adr.it

• Taxi tel. 060609-065551-063570-068822-064157066645-064994

• Traffic info tel. 1518

• Trenitalia (national railways) tel. 892021, www.trenitalia.it

St Isidore College (Roman Catholic)

Via degli Artisti 41, tel. 064885359, Sunday service 10.00

St Patrick’s Church (Roman Catholic), Via Boncompagni 31, tel. 068881827, www.stpatricksamericaninrome.org

Weekday Masses in English 18.00, Saturday Vigil 18.00, Sunday 09.00 and 10.30

St Paul’s within-the-Walls (Anglican Episcopal) Via Nazionale, corner Via Napoli, tel. 064883339, Sunday service 08.30, 10.30 (English), 13.00 (Spanish)

St Silvestro Church (Roman Catholic)

Piazza S. Silvestro 1, tel. 066977121, Sunday service 10.00 and 17.30

Venerable English College (Roman Catholic), Via di Monserrato 45, tel. 066868546, Sunday service 10.00

Comunità di S. Egidio

Piazza di S. Egidio 3/a, tel. 068992234

Comunità di S. Egidio soup kitchen Via Dandolo 10, tel. 065894327, 17.00-19.30 Wed, Fri, Sat

Information line for disabled tel. 800271027

Joel Nafuma Refugee Centre

St Paul’s within-the-Walls

Via Nazionale, corner Via Napoli, tel. 064883339

Mason Perkins Deafness Fund (Support for deaf and deaf-blind children), tel. 06444234511, masonperkins@gmail.com, www.mpds.it

Overeaters Anonymous tel. 064743772

Salvation Army (Esercito della Salvezza)

Centro Sociale di Roma “Virgilio Paglieri” Via degli Apuli 41, tel. 064451351

Support for elderly victims of crime (Italian only) Largo E. Fioritto 2, tel. 0657305104

The Samaritans Onlus (Confidential telephone helpline for the distressed) tel. 800860022

Chiamaroma

24-hour, multilingual information line for services in Rome, run by the city council, tel. 060606

Emergency numbers

• Ambulance tel. 118

• Carabinieri tel. 112

• Electricity and water faults (Acea) tel. 800130336

• Fire brigade tel. 115

• Gas leaks (Italgas-Eni) tel. 800900999

• Police tel. 113

• Rubbish (Ama) tel. 8008670355

Wanted in Rome - March 2025

CONTENTS

EDITORIALS

MISCELLANY WHAT'S ON

SAVING ROME’S CINEMAS Culture

SCORSESE LAUNCHES PETITION TO STOP ROME CINEMAS BEING TURNED INTO SHOPPING MALLS

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME IN MARCH 2025

GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN ROME THIS MONTH

Six Nations Rugby

Beware the Ides of March

Rome Marathon

Lifestyle

St Patrick's Day

Festivals

Exhibitions in Rome

SIX NATIONS RUGBY IN ROME: A QUICK GUIDE Sport

ITALY FACE WALES, FRANCE AND IRELAND AT THE STADIO OLIMPICO IN ROME

How to get to Stadio Olimpico

ROME'S MAJOR MUSEUMS

VATICAN MUSEUMS

PRIVATE MUSEUMS

MARCH 2025

PRIVATE MUSEUMS

ROME’S

MOST ACTIVE AND CONTEMPORARY

ART GALLERIES

WHAT’S ON

EXHIBITIONS

CARAVAGGIO 2025

7 MARCH-6 JULY

PICASSO LO STRANIERO 27 FEB-29 JUNE

FLOWERS: FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

I FARNESI NELLA ROMA DEL CINQUECENTO

MUNCH: THE INNER SCREAM

SALVADOR DALI: TRA ARTE E MITO

25 JAN-27 JULY

FRANCO FONTANA: RETROSPECTIVE

13 DEC-31 AUG

TITINA MASELLI

IL TEMPO DEL FUTURISMO

GUGLIELMO MARCONI: VEDERE L’INVISIBILE

ROMA PITTRICE

CLASSICAL

SOKHIEV / VARDAI

LE AVVENTURE DEL BAMBINO

SANTA CECILIA CHORUS

SANTA CECILIA ORCHESTRA

GRIGORY SOKHOLOV

BRAHMS DOUBLE CONCERT

JOSHUA BELL

DANIEL HARDING

FAMILY CONCERT

VIKTORI MULLOVA - MISHA MULLOV-ABBADO

JAKUB HRUSA - BEATRICE RANA

opera

TOSCA

ALCINA

MICHELE MARIOTTI

FESTIVALS

ROMA WHISKY FESTIVAL

LIBRI COME

CARACALLA FESTIVAL

IRISH FILM FESTA

26-30 MARCH

Theatre

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: ALEGRIA

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW

CULTURE NEWS

ITALY SEEKS TO FILL TOP MUSEUM ROLES

NEW DISCOVERIES IN POMPEII

NETFLIX TACKLES IL GATTOPARDO

MUSIC THE A TRE CINEMA VENUES

TRE MUSIC THEATRE CINEMA DANCE OPERA

classical cinema

cinema

dance opera

dance opera

rock pop

rock pop

theatre