Utilizing the enormous capital accumulated in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Italian house of Torlonia has accumulated over the years an impressive private collection of over 600 ancient Roman artifacts. After years of negotiations, conducted between representatives of the family and the Italian authorities, it was possible to display some of the monuments to the public.
For years, the described monuments of European culture remained behind closed doors and only a few could see them. Even researchers could find out about their existence only from the catalog that was created in 1884.
However, this year will be special. A total of 96 ancient sculptures, busts and reliefs – dating from the 5th century BCE until the 4th century CE – will be on a special exhibition at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Tourists will be able to see the great statue of the god of the Nile, Hercules or emperor Vespasian, Hadrian, Commodus and general Scipio Africanus.
Until now, scientists have carried out a thorough renovation of the facilities, which was also financed by Bvlgari – jewelry company.
The exhibition called “The Torlonia Marbles” will be open from April to January 2021. Later, the exhibited objects will “travel” through the most prestigious museums in the world. Eventually, probably, the artifacts will remain in Rome.
