ROME– The exhibition "The Gaze of Time: The Roman Forum in the Modern Age" has been unveiled inside the Temple of Romulus. Offering unique new insight on the Roman Forum from around the time of the renowned Grand Tour era, and the rediscovery of ancient Rome in the Renaissance. Visitors to the Roman Forum can view this limited-time exhibition from Nov. 21 to April 28.

Through an expansive collection of iconographic displays, offered both in original and digital formats (including drawings, prints, paintings, photographs, and films), connected with the presentation of select artifacts reflecting the material culture of the Grand Tour and the everyday and professional lives of those who lived and worked in the Roman Forum (encompassing items like prints, paintings, models, books, micro-mosaics, fans, scientific apparatus'), the exhibition, carefully curated by Alessio de Cristoforo, incorporates the narrative of the Roman Forum as a landscape evolving from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. 

It points to key themes: the Renaissance revival of Ancient Roman elements, the Roman Forum's transformation into a material resource for the construction of modern Rome, its portrayal as an idealized classical and rural landscape, the passion of the Grand Tour and the flourishing interest among scholars; the advent of systematic research and later development plans for the site; and the area's socio-political evolution during the era of rising nationalism.

The space itself provides a historical backdrop for the display, its ancient circular walls bringing a creative flow for visitors to follow. To truly be immersed in the past, the exhibition features two video displays showing a historical, digital reconstruction of the Forum through time, highlighting the excavations and the grand tour. In the 1500s, artists and creatives from across Europe were drawn to the Forum's ruins. The Forum served as an inspiration for countless masterpieces during the Renaissance. The grand tour, a rite of passage for young European aristocrats in the 17th and 18th centuries, often included a stop at the Roman Forum. It was a journey of cultural enrichment, and the Forum was a highlight of their travels. 

The completion of this special exhibition owes much to the dedication and expertise of Alfonsina Russo, Director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. Her passion for history has revitalized this experience, offering all the opportunity to enrich their understanding of this unique historical site.