A palace of art online: Discover the Farnesina Collection
Art has the power to transcend borders and build bridges. It has therefore become a diplomatic tool. The Farnesina Collection, housed in the Palazzo della Farnesina — headquarters of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome — exemplifies this power. This architectural masterpiece, designed in the early 20th century, provides a stunning backdrop for a collection that showcases Italian art and culture to the world through a network of Italian embassies, consulates and cultural institutes.
More than just a static display, the Farnesina Collection actively promotes intercultural dialogue and understanding, featuring a diverse range of 20th-century Italian art, including works by masters like Piero Dorazio, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Arnaldo Pomodoro. Now, in partnership with Google Arts & Culture, this diplomatic and cultural mission takes on a digital dimension, allowing anyone, anywhere to experience the beauty and significance of the Farnesina Palace and its collection.
Explore some highlights of the collection:
Tornaconto by Piero Dorazio (1967) from the Farnesina Collection
A journey through contemporary Italian art
The collection boasts a diverse array of works by prominent Italian artists from the 20th century: Piero Dorazio, Mario Ceroli, Carla Accardi and Rä di Martino, among many others.
Counter-ceiling by Alberto Bevilacqua (1959) for the Farnesina Palace
Art is ingrained at Farnesina
When the Farnesina Palace became the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 1960s, art became central to its identity. A public competition brought stunning site-specific artworks to its halls. Explore the mosaics, statues, stuccoes and tapestries in 360°.
Le Tre Chiese by Silvia Camporesi (2011) from the Farnesina Collection
Farnesina Collection: a growing vision
New acquisitions make the Farnesina Collection ever-expanding, with attention to different means such as photography and graphic design.
Body and Memory Pocket Gallery by Farnesina Collection on Google Arts & Culture
Pocket Gallery
Walk through a 3D gallery exploring how female artists in the Farnesina collection have interpreted the themes of the body, memory and identity.
From the Hall you can access the main floor and the reception rooms through the staircase of Honour where, in the middle of the central ramp, two sculptures by Mirko Basaldella are exhibited: La grande madre and Totem
Step inside the Palace
The Palazzo della Farnesina is more than just a government building. Besides being a living museum, its very architecture, with an imposing presence, signals its historic and contemporary relevance. Navigate the grand halls, listen to expert commentary and understand how the Farnesina embodies Italy's cultural outreach.
“One Day at Farnesina” is the title of the bespoke comic strip created by Alessandro Baronciani for the Farnesina Collection.
The Palace reimagined
Discover Farnesina's artistic treasures in a playful and engaging way with a new digital comic strip by Italian illustrator and comics artist Alessandro Baronciani. Follow the protagonist as she explores the majestic halls on a summer day in Rome, admiring the collection through a new lens.
In a further effort to see the palace collections through a different lens, the project showcases a collaboration with four YouTube creators, who brought their unique perspectives and creative approaches to reinterpret Farnesina's artistic heritage.
Explore the Farnesina Collection at goo.gle/farnesinacollection or on the Google Arts & Culture app, available for Android and iOS.
