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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, Trayendo ár grandeza histórica ar vuelta ar nzaki 'bu̲i. Myth & Marble presentes 58 gi obras, da 'ñent'i 25 ni 'nar pa nu'bu̲ hyandi ja ya tiempos modernos, ofreciendo 'nar vistazo raro ja ya ideales clásicos ar belleza ne ar poder da siguen influyendo jar moda ne ar diseño nu'bya xtä.
Comisariado ya Lisa Ayla Çakmak ne Katharine A. Raff ar Instituto ar arte Chicago, ar exposición ge 'nar colaboración ja ar dätä ngú njwadi, ar Fundación Torlonia, ne Ntheti da 'ñent'i ar dätä ngú ar arte Kimbell, ar dätä ngú ar Montreal Bellas Artes, ne ar caja ar ngú njwati. ar exposición abierta jar público ar Märso 15, ne funcionará asta ar Hunyo 29, 'be̲tho viajar Fort Worth ne Montreal.
moda xi extraído xingu ya inspiración ar antigüedad — mbeni cortinas griegas Vionnet, Ya motivos Medusa ar Versace, wa ya siluetas escultóricas 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.
