Imagine a world without art museums. No tourists crowding around the Mona Lisa, or students stood in wonder at a Warhol. The world’s masterpieces would be hidden away in private galleries to be enjoyed by a very few, very wealthy collectors. That’s pretty much the way the art world worked until 1734. Then Rome changed everything.
View of the Farnese Gallery, Rome (about 1775) by Francesco PaniniThe J. Paul Getty Museum
Art For The Few
Before public museums, most art was housed in private collections like this one—Rome’s famous Farnese Collection.
In the 18th century all well-to-do homes were expected to house a collection of fine art and antiquities. However, this meant that art was only enjoyed by a few wealthy collectors and off limits to the average Italian.
A Pope Patron of the Arts
Meet Sixtus IV—the Renaissance pope who beautified Rome. He restored or rebuilt over 30 churches, and even commissioned the famous Sistine Chapel. But his greatest contribution to the arts was a gift of 6 ancient bronze statues to the people of Rome in 1471. A gift that changed how we experience art forever.
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The first public art museum, the Musei Capitolini, was founded here in 1734 to house the 6 bronze statues from Pope Sixtus IV.
His Euro Italy Rome Romulus And RemusLIFE Photo Collection
The Capitoline Wolf
The She Wolf—with the figures of Romulus and Remus—is the most famous of all the 6 gifts. It has become the symbol of Rome.
Art For Everyone Lives On
Rome’s love for art is just as strong now as it was 300 years ago. It even spills into the streets. The Outdoor Festival—the city’s annual street art celebration—may seem far removed from the Musei Capitolini. But the spirit is the same.
Alice Pasquini
Alice Pasquini has exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. But city walls are her favourite canvases of all. She brings a uniquely feminine aesthetic to Rome’s street art scene, with colourful and dynamic depictions of women, children and animals. In 2013, her street art even appeared at the home of public art: the Piazza Campidoglio.
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‘Believe it or Not’ by Alice Pasquini
The Outdoor Festival, Rome, 2015
JB Rock
JB Rock was instrumental in bringing stencil and poster art to Rome in the early 90s. His art is inspired by a diverse mix of both pop culture and classic Italian art. He cites Verdi’s opera La Traviata as one of his major influences, as well as other contemporary Italian street artists.
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‘Self Portrait’ by JB Rock
The Outdoor Festival, Rome, 2014
Laurina Paperina
Laurina Paperina doesn’t take the art world too seriously. She’s created her own weird and wonderful world that combines dark humour, satire and psychedelia to challenge the conventions of modern art. Her work is fun, outrageously witty and accessible to everyone.
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‘Proud to be a Loser’ by Laurina Paperina
The Outdoor Festival, Rome, 2014
The Outdoor Project teamOutdoor Project
Founded in 2014, Outdoor Project strives to free art from any barriers. Their projects and artists disseminate throughout the streets and the architectures of Rome, intertwining with the ever changing face of the city. By opening the doors of abandoned buildings and spaces through art, Outdoor Project give them back to the city, fostering education, emotions and sense of community
Outdoor ProjectOutdoor Project
A Gift From Rome To The World
Today, it’s hard to imagine what life would be like without the Louvre or the Uffizi. Technology has even made it possible for us to see the world’s art from our computers and phones (like you’re doing right now). Art has come a long way since 1734. And we have the city Rome to thank—with its 6 bronze statues that started it all.
