Ancient Roman Sculptures Coming to Fort Worth in a North American Debut
The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth will host a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of sculptures from the Torlonia Collection, one of the world’s largest private collections of ancient Roman art.
Myth and Marble’s Journey to North America
“Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection” will embark on its first journey outside of Europe for a multi-city tour, with Fort Worth serving as the second stop. The exhibition will debut at the Art Institute of Chicago in March 2025, making its way to Fort Worth on September 14, 2025. After its stay in North Texas through January 25, 2026, the collection will conclude its tour at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in July 2026.
“The Foundation is excited to be sharing the Torlonia Collection with audiences in North America for the first time,” said Alessandro Poma Murialdo, president of the Torlonia Foundation, in a statement. “This exceptional group of ancient sculptures is a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of ancient Rome, as well as the vision and passion of multiple generations of the Torlonia Family.”
Of the nearly 60 exquisite works scheduled for display, 24 recently restored pieces will be unveiled for the first time in nearly a century.
A Glimpse into Ancient Roman Life
Spanning a variety of styles and subjects, the exhibition will offer a diverse window into ancient Roman life. From emperors immortalized in magnificent portraits to funerary sculptures, including awe-inspiring stone coffins that are some of the largest surviving sculptures from the era, the collection paints a vivid picture of Roman artistry and culture.
Eric Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share these magnificent works with the American public.
“This will be the first exhibition of ancient Roman sculpture in the Kimbell’s 52-year history and is all the more exciting because the legendary Torlonia Collection went unseen since the closing of the Torlonia Museum in the wake of World War II,” Lee said. “These sculptures provide an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient world and will be a treasured experience for our visitors.”
