Aphrodite resurfaces from the sea: a face, marked by time and salt, returns to tell a story of beauty, journey, and arrival. The head of Aphrodite of Knidos, Roman copy (2nd century AD) inspired by the famous Greek model by Praxiteles, is the star of the new iteration of Art Out of the Museum. The work was presented on April 22nd at Hotel del Senato, near the Pantheon, which will host the archaeological find in its lobby until September 13th, 2026.

Discovered in the harbour area of ​​ancient Centumcellae, now Civitavecchia, the head shows clear signs of time spent underwater, with marks left by mollusks. It likely belonged to a statue originally placed in a sacred building dedicated to Aphrodite Euplea, protector of good navigation—a symbolic presence for those departing and those arriving.
Inspired by the Aphrodite of Knidos, one of the most famous works of antiquity, the sculpture represents one of the first examples of a female deity depicted completely nude. It was a revolutionary image for the ancient world, combining modesty and sensuality in an iconic gesture: the goddess, surprised, covers herself as she emerges from the water.

Preserved at the National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia (Regional Directorate of National Museums of Lazio), the work is on temporary loan to Albergo del Senato, where it will be exhibited to the public in a unique context, reestablishing an ideal connection between art, hospitality, and travel.

The conservation and restoration of the work was made possible thanks to the contribution of the Ludovico degli Uberti Foundation.

LoveItaly thanks sponsors MAG Italia

LoveItaly thanks Montenovi

L'articolo Aphrodite stars in Art Out of the Museum at Hotel del Senato proviene da Love Italy.

All the works on display at the hotels are loans granted under the protection of the Protocol, signed between the Directorate General of Museums of the Ministry of Culture, Federalberghi Lazio, and LoveItaly, which aims to disseminate and democratize Italy’s cultural heritage. The works were previously preserved in museum storage because they require restoration before being exhibited and funding is lacking. As is the case in almost every country around the world, there are thousands, indeed millions, of objects waiting their turn in the spotlight.

The virtuous circle of Art Outside the Museum offers a special spotlight: display in a hotel in the capital and the opportunity to share its history with residents and visitors. Each host hotel provides funds for the restoration of the artwork it houses, as well as the display case and transportation. The restoration of a historic work also offers numerous opportunities to deepen understanding of the artifact through the research that accompanies the intervention and, in many cases, the study of the materials and methods used.

Each work tells its own story; together, they tell important pieces of the history of us all.

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Ciste | Etruscan Beauty Case

Palazzo Dama, Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia | Hotel Dom, Via Giulia

on loan from Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia

Etruscan women enjoyed an independence and freedom of movement similar to modern times. They could participate in public life on a par with men and had the right to own property and run businesses. Beauty rituals were also practiced, as demonstrated by the objects on display at the hotels, Palazzo Dama and Hotel DOM, on loan from the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia.

The ciste —bronze cylinders, often with lids and handles decorated and engraved with meaningful scenes—were the equivalent of today’s beauty cases, used by women to hold toiletries, hair care products, and nail polish. They were often given to brides as a wedding gift.

The large cista at Palazzo Dama is notable for its engraved scene of the future bridegroom listening to advice before taking up arms and departing, and for the woman preparing to bathe; while the cista at Hotel Dom is a little jewel, adorned with a panther and with the feet of a griffin. The display case also holds a small bronze head of great beauty—perhaps a portrait of Turan, the Etruscan goddess of beauty – whose hair hides the hinge that provided access to the perfumed ointments inside.

Roman women are also represented, starting with another goddess of beauty—the Greco-Roman Aphrodite/Venus.

The famous bronze masterpiece created by Praxiteles for the Temple of Cnidos—which depicts the goddess bathing, strikingly naked—inspired many copies… fortunately, because the original has been lost.

The head of Aphrodite of Knidos on display at the Albergo del Senato bears signs of submersion in water, likely in the harbor of ancient Centumcellae (present-day Civitavecchia). But these signs in no way obscure the beauty of the portrait, whose size and weight (60 kg) suggest a statue in the port to protect seafarers.

Part of the collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia (ROME), the loan is provided by the Museum with the Direzione Regionale Musei Lazio. 

Head di Aphrodite of Knidos

Hotel del Senato, Piazza della Rotonda

The statue of the Goddess Roma (or Virtus), also made of marble, is on display at the Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo. Wearing an Amazonian-inspired costume, the goddess carries weapons and a helmet, representing not only the powerful capital of the Roman Empire but also a coveted quality of that culture—virtus. The statue, whose provenance is lost, will return to the National Roman Museum in Palazzo Massimo at the end of its term.

Goddess Rome or Virtus

Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo, Via Cavour

On loan from Museo Nazionale Romano

Earthly power is also represented by two powerful women: Empress Faustina the Elder and Domitia Lucilla, mother of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The sisters-in-law are exhibited on the same street, at the Hotel Diana and the Hotel Universo.

Domitia Lucilla, a noblewoman of almost modern beauty, made herself famous in history for her modesty and kindness, despite the wealth she possessed.

Portrait of Domitia Lucilla

Hotel Universo, via di Principe Amedeo

on loan from Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica

The marble heads were found during the excavation of Ostia Antica and are on loan from the Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica, as is the last work which comes from the Necropolis of Porto at Isola Sacra.

Portrait of Faustina the Elder

Faustina the Elder, wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius, was deified after her death by her husband, and a temple erected to their names still stands imposingly in the Imperial Forums.

Hotel Diana, Via Principe Amedeo

on loan from Parco archeologico di Ostia Antica

The tour ends with perhaps the most powerful woman of all—the mythological Fate: Lachesis. She shared the task of determining human destiny with her two sisters: Clotho spun the thread of an individual’s life, Lachesis measured it and determined its length, and relentless Athropos cut it. Not even the Olympian gods were exempt.

the Fate Lachesis

Hotel Scalinata di Spagna, Piazza Trinità dei Monti

on loan from Parco archeologico di Ostia Antica

The fresco—on loan to the Hotel Scalinata di Spagna—reminds us to fully appreciate the beauty of life… not a difficult task from the top of Piazza Trinità dei Monti with its unparalleled view of Rome.

go to Arte Fuori dal Museo

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Many thanks to:

Fondazione Roma

Fondazione Ludovico degli Uberti

L'articolo Discover “Art Out of the Museum” in Rome proviene da Love Italy.

The conservation and restoration work was made possible thanks to a public-private partnership involving the Capri Archaeological Museums and Parks, the KHR McNeely Family Foundation, with support from LoveItaly.

“The restoration of the bishop’s throne on Capri is another example of LoveItaly’s significant work, which we are proud to support,” says the KHR McNeely Family Foundation.

The restored throne was presented on 4 December 2025.

“This project marks the beginning of a new phase for our Institute,” says Francesco Sirano, delegated officer for the direction of the Archaeological Park of Capri, “and is part of a path of shared valorization of the island’s artistic heritage, thanks to an increasingly concrete synergy with the world of private donations.”

“The valorization of museum deposits,” concludes the Director General of Museums, Massimo Osanna, “is one of the fundamental missions of the General Directorate of Museums: it allows us to restore visibility and meaning to a heritage that is often invisible but of extraordinary interest, activating new forms of fruition and knowledge. Results like today’s are also made possible thanks to public-private collaboration, which represents-as in this case-a virtuous practice to be promoted and enhanced.”

The KHR McNeely Family Foundation, formed by Kevin, Rosemary and Hanna Rose McNeely, made a crucial contribution to fund the intervention, while LoveItaly offered organizational and promotional support. The organization has long been committed to the enhancement of Capri’s cultural heritage, supporting initiatives aimed at preserving and publicizing the island’s historical and artistic testimonies.

L'articolo Capri’s rare 18th century Bishops Throne proviene da Love Italy.

The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia inaugurated renovated museum rooms with accessible immersive displays, thanks to PNRR funding, and the reactivation of the fountains in Bartolomeo Ammannati’s Renaissance masterpiece – the Nymphaeum, recently restored and reopened to the public.

The fountains of the Nymphaeum, the villa’s most iconic complex, designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati, once again flow with water: restoring the ancient function of “theater of waters.” to the Fountains of the River Tiber and River Arno The project, financially supported by the company Sphere Italia, is a virtuous example of public-private collaboration and patronage fostered by the Art Bonus.

The new projects are part of a broader renovation and redevelopment plan for the Museum, pursued by Director Luana Toniolo, which also involves Villa Poniatowski, the Museum’s second venue, where work is underway to eliminate architectural barriers to improve physical accessibility.

New immersive displays on the lower level of the Museum house a reproduction of the Maroi tomb from Cerveteri and a reconstruction of the famous Tomb of the Funeral Bed from Tarquinia. Designed as an immersive journey, the route begins with a physical descent into the underground space—a dimly lit, alienating environment charged with symbolism—and introduces the visitor to the Etruscan world of the dead.

The display route of the Castellani collection has also been completely redesigned, reflecting the famous family of Roman goldsmiths and antique dealers who revolutionized the goldsmith’s art during the 19th century, rediscovering ancient jewelry making techniques.

Both routes offer a new model of cultural accessibility, with content designed for a diverse audience and to engage the public with the help of technologies, integrated into the other museum spaces: video guides in Sign Language, immersive video projections, holographic displays, and an animated picture gallery, all within a renovated architectural setting. The clarity and plurality of languages, with a multi-sensory communication system, allow for a multi-level reading, without sacrificing the historical-scientific rigor of the content.

Press release (Italian) below

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L'articolo Keita Miyazaki in Rome proviene da Love Italy.

Tuesday 15 October, 6 pm – marked the inauguration of Art Out of the Museum | Arte Fuori Dal Museo, a project promoted by General Directorate of Museums (Ministry of Culture) with LoveItaly and Federalberghi Lazio, which focuses on raising awareness and knowledge of Italy’s cultural heritage through the display of artifacts currently conserved in the warehouses of state museums. This, the first pilot project, features a marble statue of Goddess Rome, or Virtus, dating to the second century BC, which comes from the Museo Nazionale Romano.

Museo Nazionale Romano – Federalberghi Lazio – Bettoja Hotels – LoveItaly

are delighted to announce the inauguration of

“ART OUT OF THE MUSEUM | ARTE FUORI DAL MUSEO”

A project to promote and enhance awareness of archaeological works and artifacts from museum storage

The initiative is promoted by LoveItaly in collaboration with
Direzione Generale dei Musei del Ministero della Cultura
and Federalberghi Lazio

The initative focuses on raising awareness and knowledge of Italy’s cultural heritage through the display of archaeological artifacts currently conserved in the warehouses of museums and cultural spaces under the remit of the DG Musei in the hotels of Lazio.

This, the first pilot project, features a marble statue of Goddess Rome, or Virtus, dating to the second century BC, which will be displayed in the Hotel Mediterraneo. Prior to its restoration, the statue was conserved in the storage deposit of the Museo Nazionale Romano; after exhibition in the hotel, it will be displayed in the halls of the Museum.

Speakers:

• Stephane Verger, Director, Museo Nazionale Romano
• Walter Pecoraro, President, Federalberghi Lazio
• Giuseppe Roscioli, President, Federalberghi Roma
• Maurizio Bettoja, President, Bettoja Hotels
• Carlo Felicioni, Board Member, LoveItaly

Introduced by:

• Richard Hodges, President, LoveItaly

Moderated by:

• Tracy Roberts, Vice President, LoveItaly

Press Release and more information: https://shorturl.at/GipIs

L'articolo PRESENTATION – “Art Out of the Museum” proviene da Love Italy.

Friday 11 October 2024, 3pm

Sphere Italia is funding the restoration of the nymphaeum and the fountains of the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia in Rome. For the first time, the donation includes a provision for long term maintenance of the structures.

Speakers at the press conference:

Massimo Osanna, DG, Musei Ministero della Cultura

Luana Toniolo, Director, Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia

John Persenda, CEO Sphere Group

Adriano Meloni, GM, Sphere Italia

read more: https://bit.ly/restauroninfeo2024

(cover photo @ansa)

L'articolo Sphere Italia to fund restoration work at ETRU proviene da Love Italy.

Find out more:

L'articolo Crowdfunding Campaign now open! proviene da Love Italy.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, guests mingled and engaged in spirited conversations while the young artists generously shared their inspirations and techniques, enriching the overall experience.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and the talented artists who contributed to making this event a success. It is our hope that all who attended left with their hearts and minds enriched by the beauty and depth of the artworks, eagerly looking forward to future celebrations of artistic expression.

Entrance to the Exhibition & Finalist artworks

Iuvart team with finalists

Guests at the vernissage

Iuvart team with Marco Cappellini, CEO & Co-Founder ArtCentrica

L'articolo WHAT A NIGHT! proviene da Love Italy.

The Frate Elia aedicula portrays St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare praying to the Madonna. Originally rich in colour, the fresco is exposed to constant atmospheric agents and pollutants which have compromised its state of conservation.

Help Restore the Fresco

The fundraising goal is €15,000 (about $17,000) to cover the restoration costs. You can contribute to returning the original beauty of this ancient fresco with a US tax deductible donation through American Friends of LoveItaly, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Menlo Park, California. Follow this link!

The San Francisco – Assisi Sister City Committee was established in 1969 to build global cooperation at the municipal level, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic activity between San Francisco, California and Assisi, Italy.

Roots of Peace is a San Francisco Bay Area non-profit organization which works to cultivate peace through agriculture worldwide. On September 21, 1997, following the tragic death of the late Princess Diana, the vision began to eradicate an estimated 70 million landmines in over 70 countries. Heidi Kuhn, Founder/CEO, a cancer survivor, deeply believes that ‘cancer is a landmine, and landmines are a cancer to the earth.’  Ever since, she has raised funds and awareness to remove over 100,000 landmines/UXO and to plant fruit trees on former war-torn lands.

In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi the Gardener, namesake of San Francisco, Roots of Peace is proud to partner with the Sister-Cities program to renew the fresco.

More information here

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