Torlonia Collection: Masterpieces of Roman Sculpture at the MMFA
On its first tour outside Europe, the legendary Torlonia Collection arrives in Montreal from March 14 to July 19, 2026 at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Since 2017, Bvlgari has stood as a major patron of Fondazione Torlonia, supporting the restoration of over 150 masterpieces from the Collection to date and reaffirming its enduring commitment to art and cultural patronage.
A Legacy Beyond Time
Assembled in the nineteenth century by Roman prince and banker Alessandro Torlonia, the Torlonia Collection is considered the world’s most important private collection of ancient sculpture. Bringing together fifty-seven masterpieces from the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, the exhibition reveals the enduring vitality of ancient art through portraits, divinities and mythological figures that continue to resonate across time.
From Chicago to Montreal
The North American tour of the Torlonia Collection began at the Art Institute of Chicago, introducing to the continent a legendary collection rarely seen over the past seventy years. After its presentation at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, the exhibition now arrives at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for its Canadian premiere.
Fondazione Torlonia
The Fondazione Torlonia was founded at the behest of Prince Alessandro Torlonia with the aim of preserving and promoting both the Torlonia Collection, the most important private collection of Roman sculptures in the world, and Villa Albani Torlonia, one of the highest expressions of eighteenth-century taste.
Through conservation, research, exhibitions, educational programs, and publications, the Foundation is committed to enhancing public understanding of classical antiquity and actively contributing to the dialogue on art, history, and conservation, helping to preserve the past while shaping the future.
All images © Fondazione Torlonia - Ph Agostino Osio
The Torlonia Collection. Masterpieces of Roman Sculpture is co-organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and Fondazione Torlonia, in collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum, the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, and The Museum Box.
The sculptures have been restored by Fondazione Torlonia with the contribution of Fondazione Bvlgari.
Chiomenti supports the institutional activities of Fondazione Torlonia.