A major benefactor of the preservation and restoration entity, Fondazione Torlonia, Bvlgari showcases the foundation’s extensive selection of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture in the exhibition “Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture From the Torlonia Collection.” To celebrate the opening, Bvlgari hosted an evening steeped in archaeology and artistic advocacy, with patrons of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Torlonia Foundation, friends of the Maison, and national press in attendance. 

Courtesy of Bvlgari

The Torlonia marbles stand as the largest private collection of Imperial Roman sculptures preserved to date, and the exhibition marks the first time the marbles are on display outside of Europe. With the support of Fondazione Bvlgari — the luxury brand’s philanthropic branch founded in 2024 — Fondazione Torlonia has restored over 150 statues from the collection, with the Bvlgari foundation emerging as the main sponsor for the collection’s restoration. 58 of those pieces were unveiled at the Art Institute of Chicago, 25 of which have never been on view in modern times.

Courtesy of Bvlgari

The exhibition, curated by Lisa Ayla Cakmak and Katherine A. Raffa of the Art Institute, is organized into six thematic sections, including a chapter dedicated to depictions of reigning emperors from 2nd century CE. The selection includes an array of female imperial portraits offering a glimpse into the often concealed (nonetheless pivotal) power wielded by the women of elite Roman families. 

Courtesy of Bvlgari

Guests of the opening event received a private tour of the exhibition in the Abbott Gallery before enjoying a signature dinner exclusively created for the occasion by Michelin-starred chef Joe Flamm, as violinist Joshua Brown lent an enchanting acoustic backdrop.

“Once again, we are proud to stand alongside the Fondazione Torlonia on this unique journey of artistic rediscovery,” says Jean-Christophe Babin, Bvlgari Group CEO and President of Fondazione Bvlgari, bringing to light the unrivaled beauty of one of the world’s most important private collections of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.” 

“Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture From the Torlonia Collection” will be open to the public from March 15 to June 29, 2025 at the Art Institute of Chicago.