Art
Myth & Marble
Bvlgari, a major patron of Fondazione Torlonia, unveils “Myth & Marble” at the Art Institute of Chicago
Words by Kate Ambrose
Images Courtesy of Bvlgari
In the world of fashion, the past is never just the past—it’s a source of endless inspiration. Last week, Bvlgari, the iconic Roman Maison, hosted an evening of timeless beauty at the Art Institute of Chicago, celebrating the North American debut of Myth & Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection. With a guest list that included art world luminaries, fashion insiders, and cultural tastemakers, the event was a stunning fusion of history, luxury, and contemporary elegance.
The evening began with a warm welcome as guests sipped signature cocktails to the ethereal sounds of harpist Leanne Bennion. A private tour of the exhibition in the Abbott Gallery set the stage for what was to come—a night of impeccable style and craftsmanship. Dinner in the grand Griffin Court was an artistic experience in itself, with a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef and Chicago native Joe Flamm, served under soaring ceilings and surrounded by centuries of history. The night culminated in a mesmerizing live performance by violinist Joshua Brown, reinforcing the event’s theme: artistry, in all its forms, is eternal.
For the first time, the Torlonia Marbles, the world’s largest private collection of Imperial Roman sculptures, are being showcased outside of Europe. With Bvlgari as a leading patron, the Torlonia Foundation has meticulously restored over 150 of these masterpieces, bringing their historic grandeur back to life. Myth & Marble presents 58 of these works, including 25 never before seen in modern times, offering a rare glimpse into the classical ideals of beauty and power that continue to shape fashion and design today.
Curated by Lisa Ayla Çakmak and Katharine A. Raff of the Art Institute of Chicago, the exhibition is a collaboration between the museum, the Torlonia Foundation, and institutions including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and The Museum Box. The exhibition opened to the public on March 15, and it will run until June 29, before traveling to Fort Worth and Montreal.
Fashion has long borrowed from antiquity—think Vionnet’s Grecian drapery, Versace’s Medusa motifs, or the sculptural silhouettes of Alexander McQueen. The Myth & Marble exhibition serves as yet another reminder of how the aesthetic ideals of the past remain deeply woven into modern design.
One of the exhibition’s most striking sections explores 2nd-century CE imperial portraits, including a rare selection of female figures that reveal the hidden power of Roman women. Just as today’s designers craft fashion as a means of storytelling, these sculptures were once symbols of influence, status, and self-expression—proof that style has always been a language of its own.
As a Maison rooted in Roman heritage, Bvlgari’s dedication to the preservation of classical beauty extends far beyond its jewelry collections. Since 2017, Bvlgari has played a key role in the restoration of the Torlonia Marbles, with Fondazione Bvlgari now serving as an official partner of the Torlonia Foundation. The restoration work, carried out in the Laboratori Torlonia, mirrors the precision and artistry that define haute couture and high jewelry—an ode to craftsmanship that spans centuries.
“Once again, we are proud to stand alongside the Fondazione Torlonia on this unique journey of artistic rediscovery, bringing to light the unrivaled beauty of one of the world’s most important private collections of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, Bvlgari Group CEO and President of Fondazione Bvlgari.
Like fashion, art is constantly being rediscovered, reinterpreted, and reimagined. Myth & Marble is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of how classical beauty continues to shape the way we see the world, from museum halls to couture runways.
With each new exhibition, the Torlonia Collection unveils fresh perspectives, reaffirming elegance's timeless nature. Whether sculpted in marble or rendered in fabric, the artistry of the past continues to shape and inspire the aesthetics of the future, serving as an enduring testament to the dialogue between heritage and innovation.
