The exhibition
Villas and Gardens of Rome: A Crown of Delights is one of the most interesting art exhibitions in Rome in 2026. Hosted at the Museo di Rome at Palazzo Braschi, the exhibition offers a captivating journey through the history of garden art in Rome, tracing its evolution from the 16th century to the second half of the 20th century.
Rome is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary artistic and landscape heritage, and among the top things to see in Rome, historic gardens play a central role. The city preserves more than forty complexes, including historic Roman villas, monumental parks, panoramic promenades and eclectic early 20th-century gardens, many of which are now open to the public and easily accessible.
The exhibition explores the symbolic and cultural importance that villas and gardens have held over the centuries. In the past, these spaces embodied power, prestige and refinement, serving as instruments of representation and influence for popes, cardinals and aristocratic families. The exhibition route guides visitors through the transformation of these estates from private residences into public gardens in Rome, enjoyed today by both locals and travelers.
Featuring around 190 works, including paintings, engravings and historical views—many of them previously unpublished—the exhibition reveals the original appearance of Roman villas and gardens that have since disappeared or been extensively altered. The artworks also illustrate how these settings were frequently used as scenic backdrops for celebrations, official events and displays of power, shaping Rome’s monumental image.
Highlights of the exhibition include iconic depictions of Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s most beloved parks, and Villa Medici, a favorite subject among artists associated with the French Academy. Particularly moving is the section dedicated to villas that no longer exist, such as Villa Ludovisi and Villa Montalto Peretti, offering insight into the profound loss of artistic and natural heritage within Rome’s urban fabric.
The exhibition is further enriched by prestigious loans from major Italian and international museums, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Vatican Museums and the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples. An unmissable event for those looking to explore cultural events in Rome, combining art, history and landscape in one of the city’s most fascinating museums.
Do not miss the exhibition dedicated to villas and gardens in Rome and book your stay at 47 Boutique Hotel.
Discover more exhibitions and events
Villas and Gardens of Rome: A Crown of Delights stands out among the exhibitions in Rome on view until April 12, 2026.
Venus. Valentino Garavani through the eyes of Joana Vasconcelos will be at PM23 until May 16. An extraordinary dialogue between contemporary art and haute couture in the heart of Rome.
Until April 6th, 2026, the MAXXI Museum in Rome hosts an exhibition that tells the story of the Eternal City in our time.
Until April 12, 2026, the Capitoline Museums in Rome host the exhibition “Greece in Rome”, featuring over 150 masterpieces from ancient Greek civilization.
From December 4th to January 6th, the 2025-2026 edition of Natale at the Auditorium Parco della Musica lights up Rome with a month full of music, theater, dance and free events for the whole family.
A major Impressionism exhibition in Rome arrives at Ara Pacis Museum, showcasing iconic masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Vivian Maier. The Exhibition and Pop Air by Ugo Nespolo open the new season of the Museo del Genio.
Cartier and the Myth at the Capitoline Museums: the extraordinary exhibitions celebrating the timeless connection between Rome and the Maison.
Until May 3, 2026, the exhibition “The Treasures of the Pharaohs” will be on display at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome.
The exhibition dedicated to the birth of cinema in Rome will be on display at Castel Sant’Angelo until January 18, 2026.