A treasure trove of ancient art is making its way to Fort Worth in 2025, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for art lovers and historians alike.
The Kimbell Art Museum will present Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection from September 14, 2025, through January 25, 2026.
This exhibit is part of a rare North American tour that includes stops at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, reported PaperCity. With over 600 Greek and Roman sculptures amassed by the Torlonia family in the 19th century, these works represent a rich cultural legacy.
Many of the sculptures date back over 2,000 years, offering a glimpse into the art and mythology of ancient civilizations.
The collection was originally gathered by Prince Giovanni Torlonia and expanded by his son, Prince Alessandro Torlonia. In 1876, the family opened a private museum in Rome, but this treasure trove became inaccessible after World War II. For decades, scholars could only study the sculptures through a 19th-century catalog, with the works remaining hidden from public view. The collection finally reemerged in 2020 at the Musei Capitolini in Rome, attracting over 600,000 visitors. Its successful showcase at the Louvre in Paris further cemented the collection’s international significance, setting the stage for its long-awaited debut in North America.
The upcoming exhibit at the Kimbell is a historic milestone for the museum, marking its first-ever presentation of ancient Roman sculptures.
According to Eric Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum, the chance to see such large-scale works in the U.S. is extremely rare. The sculptures offer more than artistic beauty; they provide a tangible connection to ancient Roman society. The exhibit is expected to captivate audiences with its detailed depictions of gods, emperors, and mythological figures, illustrating the Roman world’s artistic achievements and cultural richness.
Divided into six thematic sections, the exhibit explores different aspects of Roman life and art.
From the iconic “Maiden of Vulci,” a stunning example of Roman female portraiture, to statues of emperors and noblewomen, these pieces reflect the grandeur and complexities of Roman society. Another section showcases artifacts unearthed from the Torlonia estates, offering insight into the family’s passion for preserving history. The exhibit also highlights how Renaissance collectors restored fragmented pieces, demonstrating a centuries-old fascination with classical art.
One of the exhibit’s highlights is the collection of sculptures depicting Roman mythology.
These works celebrate the pantheon of Greco-Roman gods and goddesses, illustrating the deep cultural exchange between ancient Greece and Rome. Additionally, the funerary sculptures provide a poignant exploration of Roman attitudes toward death and the afterlife. The intricate carvings on monumental sarcophagi, such as the depiction of the Labors of Hercules, are both artistically impressive and historically significant.
This exhibit’s significance extends beyond the sculptures themselves; it celebrates the preservation and rediscovery of ancient art.
The Torlonia Foundation oversees the collection and aims to foster a renewed appreciation for classical art. As Carlotta Loverini Botta, the foundation’s director, explains, sharing these masterpieces helps bridge the past with modern culture. This exhibition allows visitors to engage with art that has endured for millennia, offering timeless lessons and inspiration.
Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum invites visitors to experience the wonder of Myth and Marble and immerse themselves in the beauty and mythology of ancient Rome. This exhibit promises to be a cultural highlight, providing a rare opportunity to witness some of history’s most exquisite sculptures up close.
The ancient world awaits, ready to share its stories with a modern audience. The collection will run from September 14, 2025 – January 25, 2026.