Dante in Artists' Books — Exhibition at Biblioteca Vallicelliana (Rome)

Dante in Artists' Books — Biblioteca Vallicelliana, Rome

This exhibition presents 30 artists' books that reinterpret Dante's work: book-objects, leporellos, scrolls, traditional bindings and boxed pieces showcase diverse materials and techniques.

• When: 25 March 2026 – 22 April 2026
• Where: Biblioteca Vallicelliana, Salone Borromini — Piazza della Chiesa Nuova 18, 00186 Rome
• Organised by: FUIS (Federazione Unitaria Italiana Scrittori)
• Curator: Stefania Severi
• Opening: Wednesday 25 March 2026, 16:30 (event "DANTE DÌ")
• Closing event (finissage): 22 April 2026
• Visiting hours: Mon/Tue/Fri 10:00–13:00; Wed/Thu 15:00–18:00 (closed Sat, Sun and public holidays). Visits require advance booking by email 24 hours prior.
• Bookings: [email protected] (confirmation required). No booking needed on 25/3 (opening), 1/4 (public talk) and 22/4 (finissage).
• Admission: free until capacity is reached

The show gathers a wide range of contemporary techniques — watercolor, printmaking, digital imagery and multi-material pages — and involves engravers, illustrators, painters, sculptors and fiber artists who address Dantean themes such as portraits, female figures and the poet's landscapes across works like the Vita Nova, Rime and the Divine Comedy.

The exhibition is enriched by historical items from the Biblioteca Vallicelliana, including manuscript Ms C 92 (which contains the final canto of Paradiso) and a digital presentation of the celebrated incunabulum known as the Dante Vallicelliano (Z 79A) with its illustrations.

As part of the programme there is a public conversation titled "Il mio Dante" on Wednesday 1 April (16:30–18:45), featuring speakers including Prof. Francesco Corona. The exhibition is suitable for general visitors, book-art enthusiasts and researchers interested in the dialogue between text and image.

For details and updates consult the organiser's channels or contact the Biblioteca Vallicelliana by email to book a visit.