THE TORLONIA COLLECTION
MASTERPIECES OF ROMAN SCULPTURE
Ready for an unforgettable tête-à-tête with the most remarkable statues of ancient Rome?
A Canadian premiere at the MMFA
Free for MMFA Members
AN EXTRAORDINARY EXHIBITION
This remarkable collection, one of the world’s greatest private holdings of classical art, brings together statues, busts, and reliefs spanning centuries of ancient history.
These masterpieces from the vast private collection of Roman sculptures assembled in the 19th century by the prince and banker Alessandro Torlonia were recently shown to great acclaim at the Louvre in Paris.
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ENCOUNTER
Gaze into the eyes of the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Commodus, get up close to Hercules, Bacchus, Cupid as you stroll among celebrated masterpieces from antiquity.
Admire fifty-seven masterpieces, many of which are on view for the first time in the modern era. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to marvel at these illustrious figures in the company of your friends or family.
Montreal is the only Canadian stop—don’t miss this unique occasion to see these masterworks up close before they return to Italy!
Statue of Cupid and Psyche, second half of 2nd c., Roman, Imperial Period, ancient: Greek marble; restored: fine-grained white and Pavonazzetto marble, 130 x 81 x 54 cm. Torlonia Collection, Rome. © Fondazione Torlonia. Photo Lorenzo De Masi
Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, the MMFA is easy to get to:
Metro: A short walk from Guy-Concordia or Peel stations. 
REM Light Rail: Get off at McGill Station; the Museum is a pleasant 10–15-minute walk away. 
By car: Several paid parking lots are located within walking distance of the Museum. 
By foot: The Museum is on Sherbrooke Street, surrounded by the city’s best dining and shopping.
Credits and curatorial team
An exhibition co-organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and Fondazione Torlonia, in collaboration with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Kimbell Art Museum and The Museum Box.
The exhibition is curated by Lisa Ayla Çakmak, the Mary and Michael Jaharis Chair and Curator—Arts of Greece, Rome and Byzantium, Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), and Katharine A. Raff, the Elizabeth McIlvaine Curator—Arts of Greece, Rome and Byzantium, AIC. The Montreal presentation is curated by Laura Vigo, Curator of Asian Art and Archaeology at the MMFA.
Presenting Sponsor
Patrons
In collaboration with
With support from
Public Partners
Official Sponsors
Media Partners
Partners of Fondazione Torlonia
The MMFA wishes to thank
Header image credits
From left to right: Portrait of Hadrian, about 130, Roman, Imperial Period, cuirass-bust Imperatori 32 Type. Torlonia Collection, Rome. © Fondazione Torlonia. Photo Lorenzo De Masi | Statue of a Goddess, known as the Hestia Giustiniani, first half of 2nd c., Roman, Imperial Period, Hadrianic Period. Torlonia Collection, Rome. © Fondazione Torlonia. Photo Lorenzo De Masi | Portrait of a Man, known as the Old Man of Otricoli, mid-1st c. BCE, Roman, late Republican Period. Torlonia Collection, Rome. © Fondazione Torlonia. Photo Lorenzo De Masi
