Cartier and the Myth at the Capitoline Museums: last chance to visit at Palazzo Nuovo

Cartier and the Myth at the Capitoline Museums: highlights before closing

The exhibition that places Cartier’s jewels in dialogue with classical antiquity at the Capitoline Museums closes on Sunday, March 15. Since its November opening the show has welcomed more than 170,000 visitors, demonstrating strong public interest in the intersection of fine jewelry and archaeological heritage.

Hosted in the temporary exhibition spaces of Palazzo Nuovo, the display pairs objects from the Cartier Collection with marble sculptures and artifacts from the Capitoline holdings, notably works linked to Cardinal Alessandro Albani’s original collection. Additional loans come from municipal collections, national and international institutions, and private lenders.

Main themes and sections

The route traces how Greek and Roman aesthetics influenced Cartier from the 19th century to the present, showing the transformation of ancient motifs and symbols into jewelry across different historical periods.

• Classical influences: comparisons between ancient motifs and Cartier creations;
• Neoclassical pastiches: references to 19th-century collector-jewelers;
• 20th–21st centuries: modern reinterpretations and mythological themes;
• Techniques: displays on craftsmanship and manufacturing processes.

Throughout the exhibition Cartier pieces are juxtaposed with mythological figures on view in Palazzo Nuovo — including Aphrodite, Apollo, Dionysus, Heracles, Zeus and Demeter — inviting visitors to rediscover the ancient models that inspired these jewels.

Curators and design

The show is curated by specialists in jewelry history and archaeology and is promoted by the City of Rome and the Capitoline Superintendency for Cultural Heritage, in partnership with Maison Cartier and supported by Zètema Progetto Cultura. The exhibition design is by Sylvain Roca, with creative contribution from set designer Dante Ferretti.

If you plan to visit during the remaining days, check official Capitoline Museums channels for opening times and ticket availability.