Cartier and Myths at the Capitoline Museums
Rome's most prestigious art venue unveils an unprecedented exhibition where the legendary craftsmanship of Maison Cartier encounters the timeless beauty of ancient classical sculpture. From mid-November 2025 through mid-March 2026, Palazzo Nuovo at the Capitoline Museums opens its marble halls for the very first time to host a temporary exhibition, creating an extraordinary dialogue between contemporary luxury and ancient heritage.
A Historic First for the Capitoline Museums
This groundbreaking exhibition marks a remarkable moment in Roman cultural history. Palazzo Nuovo has stood as guardian of classical treasures since 1733, housing one of Europe's most significant collections of ancient marble sculptures. For the first time in nearly three centuries, this venerable palace welcomes the refined creations of a modern luxury house, establishing a fascinating conversation between eras and civilizations.
The exhibition brings together approximately 150 masterpieces from the prestigious Cartier Collection alongside ancient sculptures from the Cardinal Alessandro Albani collection, complemented by exceptional artifacts loaned by the Capitoline Superintendency, renowned Italian and international institutions, and select private collections.
Where Mythology Inspires Design
Since the mid-19th century, Cartier has drawn profound inspiration from the aesthetic and symbolic repertoire of ancient Greece and Rome. The exhibition traces this creative dialogue through five centuries, examining how mythological motifs—from ionic volutes and laurel wreaths to classical arches and ornamental garlands—transform into contemporary jewelry of stunning refinement and individuality.
You'll discover how ancient pantheon figures including Aphrodite, Dionysus, Apollo, Heracles, Zeus, and Demeter have guided Cartier's creative imagination throughout the 20th century and into our contemporary moment. The journey unfolds across multiple artistic movements, from Belle Époque neoclassicism through modernist reinterpretations to post-war innovations inspired by artists like Jean Cocteau.
A Multisensory Cultural Experience
This exhibition transcends traditional display through immersive sensory installations. Olfactory elements created by Cartier's master perfumer Mathilde Laurent accompany your journey, weaving scent into the experience of art and memory. Semi-precious stones from Cartier's glyptic workshop and audiovisual installations deepen your engagement with the masterpieces on display.
The exhibition design by acclaimed designer Sylvain Roca, with extraordinary creative contributions by Maestro Dante Ferretti, creates theatrical spaces that prepare your eye for an encounter between eternal marble and luminous high jewelry. Each piece enters into direct relationship with classical sculpture, creating echoes, references, and formal metamorphoses throughout your visit.
Exhibition Details and Hours
The exhibition runs daily from November 14, 2025, through March 15, 2026. Museum hours extend from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with final admission one hour before closing. Special holiday schedules apply on December 24, 31, and January 1, with closures on May 1 and December 25.
Tickets and Admission Pricing
Exhibition-only tickets cost €8.00 for adults and €7.00 for reduced admission. Combined tickets for both the museums and exhibition are available at €20.00 for non-residents and €15.50 for residents, with reductions for eligible visitors. Standard museum admission tickets starting at €15.00 also provide access to all exhibitions. Book your tickets online to skip lines and secure your preferred entry time, or call the booking center at 060608 daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For the most current information on admission prices and operating hours, please verify directly on the official website before your visit, as these details may change seasonally.
Finding Your Way to Palazzo Nuovo
The Capitoline Museums occupy Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, in Rome's historic center—an easily accessible location near iconic landmarks including the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Metro Line B connects you directly to the Colosseum station, approximately a 10-minute walk from Palazzo Nuovo. Multiple bus lines serve the area, with stops at Piazza Venezia just a brief walk away. Numbered buses 30, 40, 46, 51, 60, 63, 70, 81, 87, 118, 170, 190, and 628 provide convenient access from throughout Rome.
If you prefer to arrive on foot, the museum sits atop Capitoline Hill, accessible via numerous routes through Rome's charming historic streets. For those driving, several parking facilities serve the area, though street parking in central Rome remains limited due to restricted traffic zones.
What International Visitors Should Know
The exhibition welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds, though visitors requiring reduced-rate admission must present valid identification at entry. Visitors with mobility challenges have accessible access to the Cartier exhibition following complimentary ticket retrieval and staff guidance. Plan for a minimum of two to three hours to fully appreciate both the special exhibition and Palazzo Nuovo's extraordinary permanent collections.
Learn More
For comprehensive details, current updates, and additional information about the Cartier and Myths exhibition, visit the official Capitoline Museums website or contact their information center at +39 06 0608.
Official Exhibition Page at the Capitoline Museums
Photo Credits: https://www.museicapitolini.org
