FONDAZIONE TORLONIA
The Fondazione Torlonia was founded at the behest of Prince Alessandro Torlonia with the aim of preserving and promoting both the Torlonia Collection - the most prestigious private collection of Greek-Roman sculptures in the world - and Villa Albani Torlonia, one of the highest expressions of eighteenth-century taste. Together they constitute a “cultural heritage of the Family for humanity” to be handed down to future generations.
The Torlonia Collection, considered the most important private collection of ancient art in the world, comprises exceptional Greek and Roman sculptures — sarcophagi, busts, and statues — assembled through acquisitions of major patrician collections and archaeological discoveries on the Torlonia estates.
The Torlonia Collection, considered the most important private collection of ancient art in the world, comprises exceptional Greek and Roman sculptures — sarcophagi, busts, and statues — assembled through acquisitions of major patrician collections and archaeological discoveries on the Torlonia estates.
Villa Albani Torlonia and its collections of ancient masterpieces were laid out according to a precise ground plan: statues, bas-reliefs and fountains – ensconced between the various buildings and gardens of the villa – rise like a vast architectural complex, in a choral composition of environments, landscapes and works of art that ‘live’ here as if forever waiting to be rediscovered. The classicist dream of Cardinal Alessandro Albani (1692–1779), who promoted the growing neoclassical movement thanks to the ‘Cenacle of Villa Albani’ – which included talents of the likes of Giovanni Battista Nolli, Giovanni Battista Piranesi and Johann Joachim Winckelmann – was preserved thanks to the Torlonia Family,who purchased the Villa in 1866, enlarging the collection and the gardens and restoring the most important cardinal residence of the eighteenth century, where in 1870 the Capture of Rome from the Papal States was signed.
Villa Albani Torlonia and its collections of ancient masterpieces were laid out according to a precise ground plan: statues, bas-reliefs and fountains – ensconced between the various buildings and gardens of the villa – rise like a vast architectural complex, in a choral composition of environments, landscapes and works of art that ‘live’ here as if forever waiting to be rediscovered. The classicist dream of Cardinal Alessandro Albani (1692–1779), who promoted the growing neoclassical movement thanks to the ‘Cenacle of Villa Albani’ – which included talents of the likes of Giovanni Battista Nolli, Giovanni Battista Piranesi and Johann Joachim Winckelmann – was preserved thanks to the Torlonia Family,who purchased the Villa in 1866, enlarging the collection and the gardens and restoring the most important cardinal residence of the eighteenth century, where in 1870 the Capture of Rome from the Papal States was signed.
The Antiquarium of Villa Albani Torlonia
A selection of works curated by Carlo Gasparri aims to showcase the study and enhancement work of the world's most important collection of ancient art, carried out by the Torlonia Laboratories with the support of Bulgari, and to share reflections on the contemporary conservation of ancient marbles.
Open to the public - free admission - no booking required
Tuesday to Sunday
9 am - 1 pm
Entrance from Via Salaria 96, 00198 Roma
The Antiquarium of Villa Albani Torlonia
A selection of works curated by Carlo Gasparri aims to showcase the study and enhancement work of the world's most important collection of ancient art, carried out by the Torlonia Laboratories with the support of Bulgari, and to share reflections on the contemporary conservation of ancient marbles.
Open to the public - free admission - no booking required
Tuesday to Sunday
9 am - 1 pm
Entrance from Via Salaria 96, 00198 Roma
The Torlonia Collection and Villa Albani Torlonia are two extraordinary artistic complexes which were destined to intertwine over the course of history, both preserved with great care under the aegis of the same Family through their constant and scrupulous protection, which the Foundation has continued with major achievements: the opening of the Laboratori Torlonia for the study and restoration of the more than 600 Torlonia marble items and the innovative conservation programme of Villa Albani Torlonia.
The Torlonia Collection and Villa Albani Torlonia are two extraordinary artistic complexes which were destined to intertwine over the course of history, both preserved with great care under the aegis of the same Family through their constant and scrupulous protection, which the Foundation has continued with major achievements: the opening of the Laboratori Torlonia for the study and restoration of the more than 600 Torlonia marble items and the innovative conservation programme of Villa Albani Torlonia.
Over the years, Fondazione Torlonia has published and promoted a wide range of publications dedicated to the study, restoration, and dissemination of its artistic heritage. These include exhibition catalogues, scholarly essays, and monographs, often published in collaboration with leading publishing houses such as Electa and Rizzoli. Each volume reflects the Foundation’s commitment to research and conservation, offering insight into the history of the Torlonia Collection and the masterpieces housed at Villa Albani Torlonia. The publications serve as essential resources for scholars, students, and art enthusiasts alike, furthering the Foundation’s mission to preserve and share one of the most important private collections of classical sculpture in the world.