Ancient Roman Treasures: The Torlonia Collection's Landmark North American Tour

For the first time in history, the esteemed Torlonia Collection, the largest private assemblage of ancient Roman sculptures, is set to captivate North American audiences with its inaugural tour.

Titled "Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection," the exhibition will showcase 58 meticulously restored sculptures, many unseen by the public for over 70 years. The tour commences at the Art Institute of Chicago from March 15 to June 29, 2025, followed by the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, from September 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, and concludes at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts from March 10 to July 19, 2026.

The Torlonia Collection comprises 620 works spanning from the 5th century BCE to the early 4th century CE. Assembled primarily in the 19th century by the Torlonia family, prominent Roman aristocrats and bankers, the collection includes a significant number of busts, making it one of the most extensive collections of Roman portraiture globally.

In 1875, Prince Alessandro Torlonia established a private museum on Rome’s Via della Lungara to house the collection. By 1884, the museum showcased 620 sculptures. However, after World War II, the museum was largely inaccessible to the public. In the 1970s, a descendant, Alessandro Torlonia, converted parts of the palazzo into apartments without proper authorization, further limiting public access. After decades of negotiations, the family agreed in 2016 to exhibit the works publicly.

The collection encompasses works predominantly from the High Roman Empire period (1st and 2nd centuries CE). Notable pieces include:

• "Maiden of Vulci": A portrait of a young woman from the 1st century BCE.
• Attic Votive Relief: Dating back to the 5th century BCE.
• Statue of a Resting Goat: An Imperial-era sculpture with a head added by Gian Lorenzo Bernini around 1620.

The luxury jeweler Bulgari has funded the restoration of many sculptures, with 25 conserved pieces featured in the touring exhibition. The Torlonia Foundation has also opened the Laboratori Torlonia, where 622 sculptures are being carefully restored and will be accessible to scholars by appointment.

This tour offers North American audiences a rare opportunity to engage directly with ancient Roman art, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. The exhibition's thematic organization aims to bridge the gap between ancient and modern times, highlighting the enduring relevance of these artworks. As co-curator Lisa Ayla Çakmak noted, the goal is to make ancient history resonate with a modern audience, ensuring that both enthusiasts and first-time museumgoers can appreciate these marvelous works.

The North American debut of the Torlonia Collection marks a significant moment in the art world, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Roman artistry and history. As these masterpieces journey across the continent, they promise to inspire and educate audiences, bridging millennia through the universal language of art.