Quirinale stables

The Quirinale Stables, located on one of the highest hills in Rome, are one of the most prestigious exhibition spaces in the city. Originally built between 1722 and 1732 by the will of Pope Innocent XIII, the Quirinale Stables were designed by the architect Alessandro Specchi and later completed by Ferdinando Fuga. The building was conceived as a stable for the Pope’s horses, part of a larger complex that also included the Quirinale Palace and the Consulta Palace, creating an architectural ensemble of great historical and artistic value. The Stables are strategically located next to the Colonna Gardens and above the archaeological remains of the great Temple of Serapis, some of which are still visible. The building covers approximately 3000 square meters, spread over multiple floors. The spacious areas of the second and third floors are dedicated to exhibitions, while on the ground floor there is a bookstore, a souvenir shop, and areas dedicated to initiatives related to the exhibitions. A cafeteria located on the mezzanine floor offers a pleasant break for visitors, with a breathtaking view of the city.Over the centuries, the Quirinale Stables have undergone numerous restoration and adaptation interventions, the most significant of which was carried out in the 1990s by the architect Gae Aulenti. This restoration transformed the ancient papal stables into a modern exhibition space, equipped with all the necessary facilities to host temporary exhibitions of international relevance. One of the most characteristic elements of Aulenti’s restoration is the large panoramic window that offers a 180-degree view of the rooftops of Rome, from the monuments of the historic center to the dome of St. Peter’s.The Quirinale Stables have become famous for their high-level temporary exhibitions. One of the most well-known exhibitions was dedicated to Caravaggio, which attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. Other notable exhibitions have included retrospectives on artists such as Titian, Raphael, and Michelangelo, as well as thematic exhibitions on topics such as Renaissance art and cultural influences between East and West.Another particularly significant exhibition was “Art Liberated 1937-1947. Masterpieces saved from the war,” which told the stories of the efforts made to protect Italy’s cultural heritage during World War II. This exhibition highlighted the heroic actions of art historians and officials who risked their lives to save priceless works of art from looting and destruction. Among the works exhibited were masterpieces such as the Discobolus Lancellotti and Titian’s Danae, demonstrating the importance of safeguarding artistic heritage in times of conflict.The location of the Quirinale Stables, near the Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic, and the Consulta Palace, home of the Constitutional Court, makes this exhibition space an integral part of Rome’s institutional and cultural fabric. The square in front of the Stables is adorned with an obelisk, moved from the Mausoleum of Augustus in the 18th century, and statues of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, which give a majestic atmosphere to the entire complex.