Bernini and the Barberini: A Baroque Masterpiece Exhibition at Palazzo Barberini

The Birth of the Baroque: Exploring "Bernini and the Barberini"

Following the monumental success of the Caravaggio 2025 showcase, the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica is proud to announce its next major cultural event: “Bernini e i Barberini.” Running from February 12 to June 14, 2026, this landmark exhibition at Palazzo Barberini offers an intimate look at one of the most significant artistic partnerships in history—the creative and political alliance between the visionary Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his greatest patron, Maffeo Barberini (Pope Urban VIII).

The exhibition coincides with the 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica, making this event a symbolic convergence of artistic and historical milestones.

The exhibition is organized into six sections, each dedicated to a crucial aspect of Bernini's relationship with the Barberini family.

A Historic Celebration of Art and Influence

The year 2026 marks the 400th anniversary of the consecration of the new St. Peter’s Basilica, a moment that defined Bernini’s career and solidified Rome as the epicenter of the Baroque movement. This exhibition, curated by experts Andrea Bacchi and Maurizia Cicconi, serves as a celebration of that legacy.

The exhibition places special emphasis on the Barberini pontificate, highlighting how Bernini’s masterpieces and grand Papal projects under Urban VIII became enduring symbols of the family's power and artistic ambition.

Visitors will journey through the corridors of the very palace the Barberini family called home, experiencing firsthand how the “Urban Bees” (the family’s heraldic symbol) helped shape the aesthetic of the Eternal City.

After his election, Maffeo Barberini became Pope Urban VIII in 1623 and played a crucial role in the development of Baroque art.

Exhibition Highlights & Itinerary

The exhibition dedicates each of its six sections to a distinct theme, offering visitors a structured journey through Bernini’s multifaceted career and his relationship with the Barberini family.

Divided into six meticulously curated sections, the exhibition traces Bernini’s evolution from a promising young talent to the undisputed master of the Baroque.

• The Patron and the Protegé: Learn how Maffeo Barberini “discovered” Bernini and how their shared intellectual curiosity led to the creation of Rome’s most famous landmarks.

• Ancestors in Marble: For the first time in centuries, the gallery of Barberini ancestor portraits returns to the palace. These masterpieces, sculpted by Bernini, Giuliano Finelli, and Francesco Mochi, have been gathered from prestigious private and public collections worldwide. The inclusion of works from public and private collections highlights the breadth of Bernini’s influence and the collaborative effort behind this exhibition.

• The Barberini Taste: The exhibition concludes with a deep dive into the “Apes Urbanae” circle, exploring the broader cultural influence and sophisticated taste of the Barberini court.

The exhibition offers visitors access to rare artworks, special loans, and thematic insights into Bernini’s relationship with the Barberini family, making it a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts.

The exhibition will feature works on loan from prestigious museums and private collections, many of which are shown in Italy for the first time.

The exhibition is divided into six sections, each focusing on different aspects of Bernini's career and his relationship with the Barberini family.

Why This Exhibition is Unmissable

The exhibition invites visitors to engage with the art and history of the Baroque era in a participatory and immersive way.

This isn’t just a display of statues and paintings; it is a narrative of power, faith, and genius. Through the support of partners like Intesa Sanpaolo and the Fabbrica di San Pietro, “Bernini and the Barberini” provides unprecedented access to works that are rarely seen together. The exhibition "Bernini and the Barberini" aims to explore the relationship between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Maffeo Barberini, his first and most decisive patron. From the bronze busts of Urban VIII to the architectural drawings that redefined Roman skylines, this is the definitive Baroque experience of 2026.

Plan Your Visit

• Dates: February 12, 2026 – June 14, 2026

• Location: Palazzo Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, Rome.

• Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM). Closed on Mondays.

• Tickets: Advance booking is highly recommended. Tickets include access to the permanent collection and the nearby Galleria Corsini.

The year 2026 welcomes one of the most significant art events in Europe: "Bernini and the Barberini." This exhibition, hosted within the historic walls of Palazzo Barberini from February 12 to June 14, explores the profound synergy between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his patron, Pope Urban VIII. It is a journey through the evolution of the Roman Baroque, showcasing how a single partnership redefined the visual identity of the Eternal City.

The Genesis of a Revolution: From Apprentice to Master

The exhibition begins by exploring the formative years of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, tracing the artist's evolution from a young apprentice under his father, Pietro Bernini, to a master sculptor whose achievements would define the Baroque era. This journey through Bernini's career highlights his early influences, key milestones, and the progression that led to his emergence as the “Architect of Rome.”

Bernini's style is characterized by its dynamic movement, theatricality, and emotional intensity, evolving from late Mannerist influences to the mature Baroque expression that became his hallmark.

Breaking the Mold of Mannerism

While Bernini inherited a mastery of marble from his father, he quickly moved beyond the stiff conventions of late Mannerism. Early masterpieces featured in the show, such as the Saint Sebastian and the Putto with Dragon, reveal a burgeoning desire for:

• Dynamic Motion: Sculptures that seem to vibrate with life.

• Theatrical Intensity: Narrative moments captured at their emotional peak.

• Naturalism: A departure from ideal balance in favor of raw, human expression.

The exhibition features key works such as the Saint Sebastian from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid and the Putto with Dragon from the Getty Museum.

By comparing the Four Seasons from the Aldobrandini Collection with his father’s work, visitors can witness the exact moment the Baroque was born—where light and movement replaced the static elegance of the past. Paintings attributed to Bernini, including those of uncertain authorship, are also highlighted, emphasizing their significance in understanding his artistic output and influence.

The Gallery of Ancestors: A Historic Homecoming

A centerpiece of this 2026 event is the unprecedented reconstruction of the Barberini Ancestors Gallery. For the first time in centuries, these marble portraits have returned to their original home.

Sculpting Power and Identity

These busts were more than just art; they were political tools used to establish the legitimacy of the Barberini dynasty. Maffeo Barberini, as an influential patron, played a pivotal role in supporting Bernini and shaping the development of Baroque art. The exhibition highlights a fascinating stylistic “duel” between three 17th-century giants:

1. Bernini: Known for dramatic vitality and psychological depth.

2. Giuliano Finelli: Celebrated for his hyper-realistic, intricate detail.

3. Francesco Mochi: Noted for his disciplined, classical composure.

Reuniting these works allows us to understand how the Barberini family used sculpture to weave a visual genealogy of prestige and religious authority. The Barberini family played a crucial role in shaping the artistic landscape of 17th-century Rome.

Urban VIII: The Architect of Propaganda

Section three focuses on Maffeo Barberini, who ascended to the papacy as Urban VIII in 1623. He didn’t just support art; he directed it. Urban VIII recognized that Bernini’s genius could be harnessed as a form of “visual propaganda” for the Catholic Church. Urban VIII's desire to use art as a tool for asserting papal authority and shaping public perception was central to his commissioning strategy.

Bernini’s work for Urban VIII included not only sculptures and fountains, but also his leadership in major construction projects such as the transformation of St. Peter’s Basilica and other key Baroque landmarks.

The exhibition highlights how the ambition of Urban VIII and the genius of Bernini rewrote the aesthetics of an entire era.

The Face of Authority

The display features numerous busts in marble and bronze that capture the Pope’s intellectual energy and spiritual weight. Among these, the exhibition draws attention to the very few paintings attributed to Bernini, emphasizing their rarity and significance within his body of work. A rare highlight is the inclusion of one of the few paintings definitively attributed to Bernini, displayed alongside a version by Andrea Sacchi (on loan from the National Gallery, London). This comparison underscores the Pope’s desire for Bernini to become a “total artist”—excelling in every medium.

Behind the Scenes: Drawing, Painting, and St. Peter's

While Bernini is synonymous with sculpture, this exhibition dives deep into his private creative process. Alongside canvases presented, visitors will discover a rare display of Bernini's paintings, emphasizing his versatility as an artist. The exhibition will also include a dedicated section to Bernini as a painter, showcasing canvases presented for the first time.

The Total Artist

One section is dedicated to Bernini's sketches, lighting studies, and rare canvases. These "paper blueprints" reveal how he conceptualized the monumental projects that define Rome today.

Engineering the Sacred: The St. Peter's Construction Sites

The show reaches a crescendo with the documentation of Bernini’s work at St. Peter’s Basilica. The exhibition highlights the role of involved architects, showcasing the collaborative efforts between Bernini and his contemporaries in shaping the iconic Baroque architecture of St. Peter’s. Visitors will also appreciate the ancient art present, as the exhibition includes significant classical works that contextualize Bernini’s innovations within a broader historical narrative. The exhibition will feature drawings, engravings, and models that illustrate Bernini's role in the major construction projects at St. Peter's. Drawings, engravings and models will also illustrate the artist's role in the major construction sites at St. Peter's, from the Baldacchino to the remodeling of the cross vault, to the funeral monument of Urban VIII.

Through models and drawings, visitors can trace the birth of:

• The Baldacchino: The bronze canopy that serves as the heart of the Baroque.

• The Tomb of Urban VIII: A theatrical fusion of death, devotion, and power.

• The Transept Remodeling: Demonstrating Bernini’s mastery over light and perspective to create a “spiritual stage.”

A Global Dialogue: International Loans and Cultural Impact

The “Bernini and the Barberini” exhibition is a feat of international cooperation. Masterpieces have been secured from the world’s most prestigious institutions, including:

• The Louvre (Paris) and The Albertina (Vienna).

• The J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles) and The Met (New York).

• The Vatican Museums and the Uffizi Gallery.

Many of these works come from important private collections, making their public display a rare and significant opportunity for visitors to experience pieces that are not usually accessible.

These loans, including the famous Portrait of Costanza Bonarelli, allow for a broader comparison between Bernini and his contemporaries like Guido Reni and Alessandro Algardi, showcasing the diverse “voices” of the 17th century. In addition to these special loans, visitors can also explore the museum’s permanent collections, which offer ongoing access to key works from the Barberini legacy.

Exceptional loans such as The Four Seasons from the Aldobrandini collection allow for an in-depth look at the comparison between Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Preserving Genius: Conservation and Restoration Efforts

The “Bernini and the Barberini” exhibition at Palazzo Barberini is not only a celebration of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s creative brilliance, but also a showcase of the painstaking conservation and restoration that allow us to experience his Baroque masterpieces in their full glory. Behind every marble and bronze bust, every expressive portrait, and every architectural drawing on display, lies a story of dedicated preservation—an ongoing dialogue between the past and present that keeps the spirit of Roman Baroque alive.

This major exhibition is the result of a remarkable collaboration between leading institutions in the world of ancient art and European art history. The Getty Museum, renowned for its expertise in conservation, has played a pivotal role in restoring early works such as Bernini’s Putto with Dragon, ensuring that the artist’s youthful dynamism remains as vivid today as it was in the seventeenth century. The Victoria and Albert Museum has contributed its technical know-how to the conservation of Bernini’s funerary monument for Pope Urban VIII, a marble masterpiece that epitomizes the fusion of artistic innovation and papal authority.

The Barberini family’s legacy of cultural patronage is evident not only in the works themselves, but also in the care with which they have been preserved. The marble and bronze busts of Urban VIII, central to the Barberini exhibition, have undergone meticulous analysis using advanced techniques such as X-ray and infrared reflectography. These scientific methods allow conservators to uncover hidden details, assess the condition of the sculptures, and plan precise interventions that respect the artist’s original intent.

International partners have further enriched the exhibition’s conservation narrative. The Museo Nazionale del Bargello has provided access to its renowned collection of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture, while the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has lent works like Saint Sebastian, which has benefited from significant restoration to repair centuries of wear. The Aldobrandini Collection’s rare drawings and sketches offer a glimpse into Bernini’s creative process, revealing the evolution of his artistic language from initial concept to finished masterpiece. The Paul Getty Museum’s expertise in the care of European art has ensured that these treasures meet the highest standards of preservation.

As visitors move through the galleries of ancient art at Palazzo Barberini, they are invited to reflect on the vital role of conservation in safeguarding our shared cultural heritage. The exhibition concludes with a powerful reminder: the marble masterpieces of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the enduring influence of the Barberini dynasty, and the splendor of Baroque Rome are only accessible to us today thanks to the tireless efforts of conservators, curators, and scholars. By preserving these works, the National Galleries of Ancient Art ensure that the artistic innovation and personal dialogue between artist and patron that defined the Baroque era will continue to inspire generations to come.

In this way, “Bernini and the Barberini” is not just a journey through art history—it is a living testament to the importance of conservation, the power of cultural patronage, and the ongoing evolution of the Baroque language in the heart of Rome.

Conclusion: Seeing Rome with New Eyes

This major exhibition curated to celebrate Bernini’s legacy offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the artistic and cultural dialogue between the master sculptor and the influential Barberini family.

“Bernini and the Barberini” is more than a retrospective; it is an invitation to understand the soul of Rome. By exploring the relationship between a visionary artist and an ambitious Pope, visitors gain a new perspective on the marble, light, and theatricality that continue to define the Eternal City today.

The exhibition concludes with a broad overview of the Barberinian taste promoted by the Apes Urbanae, through the work of Bernini and the dialogue with other protagonists of the period.

Visitor Information: Frequently Asked Questions

When does the exhibition take place? The event runs from February 12 through June 14, 2026. It is hosted within the historic state rooms of Palazzo Barberini in the heart of Rome.

How can I secure tickets? Tickets can be purchased directly through our official online booking portal. Due to the high profile of the international loans, we strongly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot.

What are the best times to visit to avoid large crowds? To enjoy a more quiet experience, we suggest booking the earliest morning slots (10:00 AM) or visiting during the final two hours before closing. Mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) are generally less crowded than weekends.

Do I need prior knowledge of Baroque art to enjoy the show? Not at all. The exhibition is designed as a narrative journey. Each of the six sections features bilingual explanatory panels (Italian and English) that introduce visitors to the historical context, the life of Bernini, and the significance of the Barberini papacy.

How much time should I set aside for the tour? A standard visit typically takes 90 minutes. However, if you are an art enthusiast wishing to study the preparatory drawings and architectural models in detail, we recommend allowing 2 full hours.

Is the venue accessible for visitors with disabilities? Yes. Palazzo Barberini is equipped with elevators and ramps to ensure that the exhibition route is accessible to those with reduced mobility or those using wheelchairs. Please contact the staff upon arrival for any specific assistance.

Are guided tours or audio devices available? Professional guided tours and multilingual audio guides can be reserved at the ticket office or via the website. These provide deeper insights into the symbolism of the works and the secrets of the Barberini court.

What is the policy on photography? Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use, provided that the flash is turned off and no tripods or "selfie sticks" are used. Please observe specific signage, as some international loans may have restricted photo rights.

Is entry to the permanent museum collection included? Most visitors opt for the Combined Ticket, which provides access to both the "Bernini and the Barberini" temporary exhibition and the permanent masterpieces of the National Gallery (Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica), including works by Raphael and Caravaggio.

Where is the museum located and how do I get there? The museum is located at Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, Rome.

• Metro: Take Line A to the Barberini station (just a 2-minute walk).

• Bus: Numerous lines serve Piazza Barberini and Via del Tritone.

Is there a cloakroom on-site? Yes, a mandatory cloakroom is available for large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas to ensure the safety of the delicate marble sculptures on display.

Can I visit the exhibition and Galleria Corsini with the same ticket? Yes, the standard museum ticket is a 20-day pass, allowing you one entry to Palazzo Barberini and one entry to the Galleria Corsini in Trastevere, offering a complete look at the Barberini-Corsini heritage.