"Nike Metafisica" joins the permanent collection

The Museo di Santa Giulia in Brescia has officially acquired Nike Metafisica, a 2019 work by Francesco Vezzoli. The sculpture is now part of the permanent collection and is displayed in the museum’s Viridarium, the contemporary sculpture park, where it engages with archaeological remains and the museum landscape.

The piece revisits the classical iconography of the Winged Victory of Samothrace with references to 20th-century metaphysical painting, offering a contemporary reading of ancient models and enriching the exhibition route with new interpretative cues.

Exhibition context

The acquisition took place as part of the Palcoscenici archeologici project, with curatorial input from Francesco Vezzoli and support from the Italian Council. Placing the work in the Viridarium reinforces connections between antiquity and contemporary art within the Museo di Santa Giulia.

Contemporary works on the route

• Terzo Paradiso – Michelangelo Pistoletto (2015)
• Untitled – Ariel Schlesinger (2019)
• Formiamo Umanità – Valerio Rocco Orlando (2022)
• Mondo d'Acciaio – Emilio Isgrò (2023)

Why visit

Nike Metafisica demonstrates how contemporary art can interact with historical heritage, proposing fresh readings of classical models. Its presence in the museum route encourages visitors to explore the relationships between contemporary sculpture and ancient artifacts.

Practical information

Where: Museo di Santa Giulia, Viridarium – Via dei Musei 81b, Brescia.

Inauguration and acquisition: 13 May 2026.

At the same time, the Parco archeologico di Brescia romana is hosting the exhibition Victoria Mater. L'idolo e l'icona, curated by Donatien Grau, on view until 21 June 2026.