Winter in Rome is quietly rich. While the city slows down, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions offer some of their most thoughtful programming of the year. From major international exhibitions to more intimate gallery shows, January and February are ideal months to explore Rome’s cultural life at an unhurried pace.
Below is a curated selection of exhibitions and cultural events running from early January through the end of February, with a focus on art, history, design, and contemporary dialogue.
Major Exhibitions & Museum Highlights
Cartier and the Myth of Antiquity
Musei Capitolini – Palazzo Nuovo
November 2025 – March 2026
A rare and elegant exhibition exploring how classical mythology and ancient forms have inspired Cartier’s most iconic creations. Historic jewelry pieces are displayed in dialogue with ancient sculptures from the Capitoline collections, creating a refined conversation between antiquity and haute joaillerie.
https://www.museicapitolini.org/
Treasures of the Pharaohs
Scuderie del Quirinale
Through May 2026
One of the season’s most significant exhibitions, presenting extraordinary artifacts from Ancient Egypt, many shown in Italy for the first time. The exhibition combines archaeological rigor with immersive scenography, offering a compelling journey through one of history’s most fascinating civilizations.
https://www.scuderiequirinale.it/
Impressionism and Beyond: Masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts
Ara Pacis Museum
December 2025 – May 2026
A refined overview of late 19th- and early 20th-century European painting, featuring impressionist and post-impressionist works alongside key modern pieces. An ideal winter exhibition, both intellectually engaging and visually luminous.
Luoghi Sacri Condivisi (Shared Sacred Spaces)
Villa Medici – French Academy in Rome
October 2025 – January 2026
Presented in the context of the Jubilee year, this exhibition explores sacred spaces shared across religions and cultures, through artworks, documents, and architectural narratives. A thoughtful and timely project, set within the serene setting of Villa Medici.
MAXXI – All Current Exhibitions (Grouped)
Rome’s leading contemporary art institution offers a strong winter program, with multiple exhibitions running simultaneously. A single visit allows access to several shows, making it an excellent cultural destination in colder months.
MAXXI – Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo
Exhibitions on view during January–February include:
- 1+1: The Relationship Years – an exploration of relational aesthetics
- Rosa Barba – film, time, and perception
- Rome in the World – Rome as a cultural crossroads
- Elisabetta Catalano – photography and portraiture
- Ongoing installations and permanent collections
History, Heritage & Classical Culture
Villas and Gardens of Rome: A Crown of Delights
Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi
Through April 2026
An evocative exhibition dedicated to Rome’s historic villas and gardens, tracing their role in shaping the city’s cultural and social identity. Ideal for visitors interested in landscape, architecture, and aristocratic history.
https://palazzobraschi.museodiroma.it/
Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan / Greece in Rome
Musei Capitolini
Through Spring 2026
Two parallel exhibitions exploring ancient civilizations and Rome’s deep cultural ties with the Greek world, presented within the Capitoline Museums’ permanent collections.
https://www.museicapitolini.org/
Contemporary Galleries & Independent Spaces
Rome’s contemporary gallery scene remains active throughout winter, with rotating exhibitions in smaller spaces such as Rhinoceros, Antonacci Lapiccirella Fine Art, and other independent galleries near the historic center. Programming changes frequently, making winter an ideal time for spontaneous discoveries.
Why Visit Exhibitions in Winter?
January and February are among the calmest months in Rome. Museums are less crowded, tickets easier to secure, and the pace allows for deeper engagement with exhibitions. Winter is also ideal for combining cultural visits with long walks through the historic center and quiet café stops.
Concierge Note
Our concierge team is happy to assist with exhibition reservations, private visits, or curated cultural itineraries — whether your interests lie in classical art, contemporary exhibitions, or lesser-known galleries.
Rome never stops creating — it simply reveals itself differently, season by season.
