23/04/2026
A distinguished guest at the Albergo del Senato
ROME – The Albergo del Senato, a historic hotel housed in a 19th-century building designed by the architect Gaetano Koch, is opening its doors to the world of archaeology. In an extraordinary initiative to promote culture, the hotel is hosting a temporary exhibition dedicated to a refined head of Aphrodite Cnidia, a masterpiece from the collections of the National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia (MANC).
A Neo-Renaissance backdrop for Hadrian’s Pantheon
The Albergo del Senato, overlooking the Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda, is not merely a prestigious accommodation, but a place steeped in aristocratic history. The decision to host this artefact temporarily, pending the reopening of the original museum, transforms the hotel lobby into an extension of the museum itself, bringing art outside traditional venues.
The Artefact: The sculpture on display is a fine Roman copy from the 2nd century AD, inspired by the original Greek model by Praxiteles from 360 BC.
The “Arte Fuori dal Museo” Project
The initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding between the Directorate-General for Museums, Federalberghi and the LoveItaly association. The project aims to make works of art stored in depots or temporarily inaccessible available to the public by exhibiting them in prestigious settings such as the historic hotels of the capital.
“We are honoured to be part of this dialogue between the public and private sectors,” says the management. “Seeing Praxiteles’ Aphrodite interact with the neoclassical lines of our building offers our guests and visitors a unique opportunity to rediscover the indissoluble bond between Rome and classical beauty.”
The sculpture will remain on display in the lobby of the Albergo del Senato for a limited period, until September 13th 2026.
