The exhibition

Moda in Luce exhibition is one of the unmissable events during summer in Rome. Hosted inside Centrale Montemartini museum, it is the most glamorous exhibition in Rome this summer. This extraordinary event celebrates the golden age when the Eternal City became the undisputed global capital of haute couture, cinema, and television. Organized by Archivio Luce Cinecittà alongside the Ministry of Culture, this exhibition offers a nostalgic and stylish journey into the birth of the iconic Made in Italy brand.

From “Hollywood on the Tiber” to the economic boom

Serving as the second chapter to the highly successful exhibition previously held at Palazzo Pitti in Florence, this Rome edition focuses on the magical two decades spanning from the economic boom to the 1970s. It beautifully captures how the myth of Italian fashion was born and nurtured on the legendary movie sets of Cinecittà—rightly nicknamed “Hollywood on the Tiber.”
The exhibition path includes:

• 150 vintage photographs: Rare images from the Archivio Storico Luce capturing runway shows, historic ateliers, backstage moments, and the glittering nightlife of Rome’s La Dolce Vita.
• Iconic faces of the era: Stunning portraits of silver screen legends such as Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Liz Taylor, Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, and Anna Magnani.
• Unseen video footage: 5 multimedia stations featuring rare, archival films shown to the public for the very first time.

Dream dresses and legendary designers on display

The true highlights of the exhibition are the 27 original and mostly unseen gowns designed by the masters who shaped global fashion history. Visitors can get a close-up look at masterpieces by:

• Valentino Garavani and Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi
• Sorelle Fontana and Fernanda Gattinoni
• Roberto Capucci, Renato Balestra, Pino Lancetti and Laura Biagiotti

Designed by architect Dario Dalla Lana, the exhibition space beautifully recreates the refined atmosphere of a vintage Roman atelier. The experience is further enriched by precious fabrics from the Zegna, Mantero Seta, and Taroni archives, alongside rare fashion magazines curated by fashion historian Fabiana Giacomotti.

Don’t miss out on one of the most glamorous summer events in Rome. Book your stay at 47 Boutique Hotel and discover our exclusive fashion-themed floor.