The Carracci Gallery in Palazzo Farnese Reopens After Extensive Restoration

The Carracci Gallery in the Palazzo Farnese, home of the French Embassy in Rome, reopened on September 17th after over a year of restoration. A team of 30 restoration specialists spent 18 months and one million euros to complete the project. The highlight of the restoration is the magnificent ceiling fresco by Annibale Carracci, long hidden from public view. The Carracci masterpiece remains a cultural icon and a source of artistic inspiration since its design was completed in 1608. The Gallery depicts the approach to art during the Renaissance and the “Loves of the Gods”, which communicates ideas of love among the many Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses.

The primary goals of the project focused on restoring the stucco and frescoes of the gallery. The gallery is 20 meters long and seven meters wide, displaying mythological paintings and a barrel vault ceiling that has previously required restoration. During the restoration, the workers uncovered drawings, signatures, and graffiti that date back 200 years. The signatures provide clues as to which artists were responsible for which parts of the paintings and sculptures. Annibale Carracci is attributed with creating most of the gallery, but his brother Agostino and some of their pupils also contributed to the work. Artwork by Rococo painter Pier Leone Ghezzi was also discovered among the hidden renderings.

The restoration was funded by grants from The World Monuments Fund, which provided 800,000 Euros, and the Italian Culture Ministry, which provided 200,000 Euros.

The gallery is now open to the public three days a week and reservations are required for entry.

-Marisa Wherry