Amid the ruins of the Palatine Hill, the voice of a poet who lived over 2,500 years ago meets pop culture. At the Uccelliere Farnesiane, Sappho. The Spirit of Poetry explores the figure of Sappho of Lesbos through forty works and two thematic paths: the historical poetess and her transformation into myth, muse, and icon. The exhibition is open through January 31, 2027.
Between the Moon and Sappho’s Dive
In the first pavilion, figurative vases, sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts trace the poet’s legacy. At the heart of the exhibition are two images that run through her poetic universe: the plunge and the moon. A projection and a sound installation transform them into an immersive experience, between light and shadow.
From Gustave Moreau to Alda Merini: Pop Sappho
The second pavilion shows how the figure of Sappho has been reinterpreted over the centuries, from the 19th century to pop culture. Notable works include Gustave Moreau’s *The Death of Sappho*, the large canvas by Federico Faruffini, and *Sappho’s Egg* by Alda Merini and Enrico Baj. The exhibition design evokes an interior garden, complemented by the scent of roses that fills the space.
Dates, Hours, and Tickets
The exhibition is located at the Farnese Aviaries on the Palatine Hill, within the Colosseum Archaeological Park, with access from Via di San Gregorio 30. Starting October 25, the Park will follow its winter hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. A full-price ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill costs 18 euros; reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased online on the official website.
