From February 12 to June 14, 2026, the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica, with the support of the Directorate-General for Museums of the Italian Ministry of Culture and with the contribution of main partner Intesa Sanpaolo, present the exhibition “Bernini and the Barberini”, curated by Andrea Bacchi and Maurizia Cicconi.
The exhibition explores the unique relationship between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Maffeo Barberini, his first and most influential patron, who was elected Pope in 1623 under the name Urban VIII.
This project offers a rare opportunity to reconsider the birth of the Baroque through the privileged lens of the personal and intellectual dialogue between Bernini and Pope Urban VIII—two key figures in shaping the artistic language of their time.
The exhibition, held under the patronage of the Fabbrica di San Pietro in the Vatican, coincides with the 400th anniversary of the consecration of the new St. Peter’s Basilica (1626), one of the highest achievements of Roman Baroque art and of Bernini’s career.
A catalogue published by Allemandi will accompany the exhibition.
Following the success of Caravaggio 2025, the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica returns with a major new exhibition hosted in the halls of Palazzo Barberini. “Bernini and the Barberini”, curated by Andrea Bacchi and Maurizia Cicconi, investigates the extraordinary relationship between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Maffeo Barberini, his earliest and most decisive patron, later Pope Urban VIII.
Supported by main partner Intesa Sanpaolo and under the patronage of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, the exhibition provides a fresh perspective on the emergence of the Baroque, highlighting the artistic, political, and personal dialogue between Bernini and Pope Urban VIII—central figures in the development of Baroque visual culture.
The exhibition also marks the 400th anniversary of the consecration of the new St. Peter’s Basilica (1626), a defining moment in Roman Baroque history and in Bernini’s artistic career.
Exhibition: “Bernini and the Barberini” at Palazzo Barberini, Rome
WHERE
Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica – Palazzo Barberini, Rome
WHEN
From February 12 to June 14, 2026
For more information, visit the official website of Palazzo Barberini.
Sponsored by BASILIO 55 ROME
