Caravaggio 2025: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Exhibition in Rome

If you love art and are fascinated by the dramatic, powerful paintings of Caravaggio, then you won’t want to miss Caravaggio 2025. This extraordinary exhibition takes place at Palazzo Barberini in Rome.
This once-in-a-lifetime event brings together some of the artist’s most famous works. It also features rarely seen masterpieces and exciting new discoveries.
Organized in collaboration with the Borghese Gallery, this exhibition is timed to coincide with the Jubilee 2025 celebrations. Caravaggio 2025 offers a deep dive into the revolutionary art of Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio.

Why This Exhibition Is So Special

Caravaggio is one of the most influential painters in history. His dramatic use of light and shadow, his raw realism, and his ability to capture intense emotion changed the art world forever. This exhibition gives visitors the rare opportunity to see an exceptional number of his original paintings in one place, offering fresh perspectives on his work and legacy.

Palazzo Barberini, one of the places most closely connected to Caravaggio and his patrons, is the perfect setting for this unique experience. The exhibition gathers both his well-known masterpieces and lesser-known gems, showing just how groundbreaking his artistic vision was.

What to Expect: A Journey Through Caravaggio’s Art

The exhibition is divided into thematic sections, each exploring different aspects of Caravaggio’s work. His signature style—dramatic lighting, intense realism, and emotional storytelling—shines through in every painting on display.

Some of the must-see works in the exhibition include:

  • The Taking of Christ (National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin) – A striking depiction of betrayal and drama, showing Caravaggio’s incredible ability to capture movement and emotion.

  • Portrait of Maffeo Barberini (Private Collection) – This rarely seen portrait is considered one of the first truly modern portraits, and this is the first time it will be displayed alongside Caravaggio’s other works.

  • Ecce Homo (Prado Museum, Madrid) – A masterpiece that has been in Spain for centuries and is finally returning to Italy for this special occasion.

Other highlights include Saint Catherine of Alexandria (Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid), which is coming back to Palazzo Barberini after many years, and Martha and Mary Magdalene (Detroit Institute of Arts), which will be shown next to Judith Beheading Holofernes—two paintings that feature the same model and have never been exhibited together before.

Additionally, visitors will get the chance to see three paintings commissioned by banker Ottavio Costa, reunited for the first time:

  • Judith Beheading Holofernes (Palazzo Barberini)

  • Saint John the Baptist (Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas City)

  • Saint Francis in Ecstasy (Wadsworth Atheneum of Art, Hartford)

There’s also The Cardsharps (Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth), an iconic piece that returns to Palazzo Barberini, where it was once part of the collection.

The exhibition ends with The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, Caravaggio’s final masterpiece, painted just before his death. This painting, an important loan from Intesa Sanpaolo, is a moving and fitting conclusion to the journey through his art.

A Deeper Look at Caravaggio’s Legacy

To complement the exhibition, a beautifully curated catalog published by Marsilio Arte provides deeper insights into Caravaggio’s life, artistic evolution, and the cultural influences that shaped his work. Featuring essays by top international experts, the catalog offers fresh perspectives on one of history’s most fascinating and controversial artists.

Don’t Miss This Unique Event!

Caravaggio 2025 is more than just an exhibition—it’s a rare chance to experience the full power of Caravaggio’s art in a way that has never been possible before. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about one of the greatest painters of all time, this exhibition is a must-visit.

Plan your visit to Palazzo Barberini and witness the timeless genius of Caravaggio up close!

Exhibition Information: Caravaggio 2025

📅 Dates

March 7, 2025 – July 6, 2025

📍 Location

Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica – Palazzo Barberini
Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, Rome

🌐 Contacts & Tickets
⏰ Opening Hours

  • The exhibition runs from March 7 to July 6, 2025.

  • Ticket office closes one hour before closing time.

  • Mondays: Open exclusively for organized group visits.

  • The exhibition is not included in the Domenica al Museo free entry initiative.

🔎 More Information

For full details on visiting conditions and frequently asked questions, please visit the official website.