Nicola Pucci launches “Scuola Italiana” at Palazzo Merulana

Nicola Pucci launches “Scuola Italiana” at Palazzo Merulana

From 3 April to 5 July 2026, Palazzo Merulana (via Merulana 121, Rome) presents the first stage of Scuola Italiana, a curatorial project that examines contemporary Italian painting through direct dialogue with twentieth-century traditions. Curated by Gianluca Marziani, the exhibition features 19 works by Nicola Pucci alongside masterworks from the Collezione Cerasi.

Why see this exhibition

Pucci’s paintings foreground a figurative approach that blends realism with dreamlike elements, updated for the present day. The works address recurring motifs — suspended aircraft, animals in unexpected settings, human figures laden with symbolic meaning — creating a conversation with early twentieth-century pieces housed in the museum.

What to expect

• An exhibition that stages a direct comparison between artistic languages and historical periods, highlighting continuity and divergence in Italian painting.
• Works that renew the spirit of Magic Realism in a contemporary register, introducing poetic estrangement.
• An opportunity to see how the Collezione Cerasi (first-half twentieth-century works) frames and informs current painting practices.

Practical information

• Venue: Palazzo Merulana, via Merulana 121, Rome (Esquilino area)
• Dates: 3 April – 5 July 2026
• Admission: included with the museum ticket
• Curator: Gianluca Marziani

This exhibition is the first in a series that will pair contemporary artists with thematic lines drawn from the permanent collection. Check the museum’s official channels for updates on guided tours and related programs.