Rome, Lazio, Italy, February 24, 2026 – The exhibition “Cartier and the Myth at the Capitoline Museums,” hosted at Palazzo Nuovo, has achieved remarkable success, attracting over 152,600 visitors in its first three months. The exhibition, which opened on November 14 and is scheduled to run until March 15, 2026, has garnered significant interest from both Italian and international audiences, highlighting the captivating interplay between high jewelry and classical antiquity.
Record-Breaking Attendance at the Capitoline Museums
This temporary exhibition marks the first time a display of such magnitude has been hosted in the halls of Palazzo Nuovo. The creations from Maison Cartier, largely sourced from the Cartier Collection, are thoughtfully juxtaposed with the marble sculptures from Cardinal Alessandro Albani’s collection-the original core of the museum-and artifacts from the Capitoline Superintendence, other Italian and international institutions, and private collections.
The impressive figure of 152,600 admissions over three months underscores the strong appeal of an exhibition that seamlessly intertwines art history, archaeology, and jewelry, thereby enhancing one of Rome’s most distinguished museum complexes.
Over 39,000 Admissions with the Roma Mic Card
A notable statistic reveals that more than 39,000 visitors utilized the Roma Mic card for free access to the exhibition. This card, priced at 5 euros, provides free and unlimited entry for 12 months to the Rome Capital Museum System, including several archaeological and historical-artistic sites across the city, such as the Trevi Fountain.
The Roma Mic card is exclusively available to adults residing or domiciled in Rome and its Metropolitan City, as well as students enrolled in public and private universities within the region. This initiative has proven to be a strategic tool for broadening access to cultural heritage.
The Dialogue Between Cartier and Antiquity
“Cartier and the Myth at the Capitoline Museums” offers a journey from the 19th century to the present day, illustrating how Cartier has meticulously studied and reinterpreted the aesthetic and symbolic repertoire of ancient Greece and Rome. The exhibition delves into the evolution of classical imagery between the 19th and 20th centuries, ranging from the “pastiches” of prominent collectors and goldsmiths like the Castellani to the neoclassical Garland style, and extending to post-World War II works inspired by Jean Cocteau and contemporary creations.
Particular emphasis is placed on the enduring connection between Cartier and Italy, especially Rome. The permanent collections of Palazzo Nuovo, established in 1733 by Clement XII Corsini, are almost entirely composed of marble sculptures, many originating from the Albani collection, which served as fundamental models for the development of European artistic language.
One section provides an in-depth look at jewelry manufacturing techniques and processes, drawing parallels with the Roman era. The exhibition also draws comparisons between the Maison’s creations and the ancient deities housed in Palazzo Nuovo, including Aphrodite, Dionysus, Apollo, Heracles, Zeus, and Demeter.
The exhibition is promoted by Roma Capitale, the Department of Culture, and the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with Maison Cartier and with the support of Zètema Progetto Cultura. The numbers undeniably confirm this project as one of the most highly anticipated cultural events of the Roman season.
