Fornasetti at Palazzo Altemps

“PRACTICAL CITATIONS” IS THE IRONIC COMPARISON OF OVER 800 OBJECTS AND DRAWINGS OF THE FORNASETTI ARCHIVE AND THE PERMANENT COLLECTION OF ANCIENT ART OF THE MUSEO NAZIONALE ROMANO OF PALAZZO ALTEMPS” –www.fornasetti.com

20 years after its inauguration as part of the National Museum of Rome, Palazzo Altemps has teamed up with La Triennale di Milano to host a wonderfully unique exhibit: “Citazioni Pratiche. Fornasetti a Palazzo Altemps.” (“Practical Citations. Fornasetti at Palazzo Altemps). The brilliant concept was brought together by Barnaba Fornasetti, Artistic Director of Fornasetti Design Studio and son of the company founder, Piero Fornasetti in collaboration with Valeria Manzi, consultant for cultural projects.

Fornasetti at Palazzo Altemps

The vast Fornasetti collection of dreamy, surrealist drawings, furniture, and accessories mingles with ancient artifacts and sculptures, belonging to the permanent collection of the 15th century Palazzo Altemps. Needless to say, wandering through the frescoed rooms presents a truly eclectic art-filled experience.

Fornasetti at Palazzo Altemps

Constructed in 1477, the Palazzo was originally conceived as an aristocratic home that, throughout the centuries, housed noble Roman families including the Medici, Orsini, and Altemps. It wasn’t until 1997 that its doors were opened, inviting the public to wander amongst the picturesque courtyard terraces, luxurious hallways and intimate theatre to admire the array of classical antiquities, collected by the tenants over the years.

Fornasetti at Palazzo Altemps

With over 800 Fornasetti pieces on the premises, a visit to “Citazioni Pratiche” offers an altogether different experience. While the artistic designs of Piero (1913-1988) and his son, Barnaba (1950), are often inspired by Classical Roman and Greek art, history, and architecture, the final creations mark a stark contrast with the true classical setting of Palazzo Altemps: and that’s what makes this dual display so magnificent. Vibrant, sleek, and sometimes provocative pieces pop in rooms of faded frescoes while ceramic cats rest upon the ancient ruins of an indoor archaeological excavation sight.

Fornasetti at Palazzo Altemps

Throughout the exhibit, the spaces vary from mildly modest to drastically dreamlike, with some rooms decked entirely in Fornasetti decor, produced by the Milanese design studio since the 1930’s. Fortunately for Romans and tourists alike this exhibition, located just 2 minutes from the iconic Piazza Navona, runs through May 6, 2018 – and, if you feel inspired, you can even purchase some Fornasetti home decor of your own in the gift shop!

Exhibit: Citazioni Pratiche (which translates to “Practical Citations” in English)

When: Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 7:45pm (last entry at 7pm) until May 6, 2018

Where: Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps, Piazza S. Apollinare 46

Tickets: 8-13 euro

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Author: April Nicole

April is an American writer and photographer who has lived in Rome since 2013. She enjoys exploring the museums of the city, as well as indulging in authentic Italian cuisine!