In December 1936, the Rome Universal Exposition Authority was established, with the goal of building the E42 for the 1942 World’s Fair. The war prevented the event from taking place, but the neighborhood continued to take shape in the postwar period, becoming one of the symbols of modern Rome. To mark the 90th anniversary, an exhibition traces this history at Palazzo Uffici.
From the “Ideal City” to the neighborhood of today
The exhibition opens the Sala dei Disegnatori to the public for the first time—the place where architects, artists, and engineers worked on the neighborhood’s design.
The exhibition is divided into three sections: the birth of the E42, the construction of the EUR, and its evolution to the present day. Among photographs, plans, sketches, videos, and immersive installations, visitors will also encounter drawings of the never-realized “Porta del Mare” project, conceived by Adalberto Libera and Vincenzo Di Berardino.
The history of the EUR is also told through film sets: on display are materials related to Fellini, Rossellini, and Antonioni. A special section is dedicated to the 1960 Rome Olympics, featuring original artifacts such as the torch, medals, and athletes’ uniforms. There are also images of the 1959 donation of Japanese cherry trees and photographs—including previously unpublished ones—by photojournalist Rodrigo Pais.
Dates and useful information
“EUR – A 90-Year History” will be on view from November 6, 2026, to February 7, 2027, at Palazzo Uffici, located at Via Ciro il Grande 16. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on Mondays.
