At the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, an extraordinary encounter with antiquity is unfolding, one that brings the grandeur of ancient Rome closer than ever before.
In collaboration with one of the most prestigious institutions in the world of classical art, the museum presents a selection from the legendary Torlonia Collection, often described as a rival to the treasures of the Vatican and the Capitoline Museums. Widely regarded as the greatest private collection of ancient Roman sculpture in existence, it is currently exhibiting in North America at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) until July 19, 2026.
Following celebrated presentations at the Louvre, Chicago, and Fort Worth, this remarkable ensemble of fifty seven masterpieces arrives in Canada for the very first time. This milestone marks not only its Canadian debut, but also the final stop of a historic tour.
It is the first time since the end of the Second World War that these sculptures have traveled beyond Italy, making this exhibition an event of exceptional cultural significance.
Visitors are invited into a world where marble breathes with life. The exhibition brings together statues, busts, sarcophagi, and portraits of astonishing realism. Through these works, audiences can come face to face with towering figures of history such as Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Commodus, as well as iconic mythological beings like Hercules, Bacchus, and Cupid.
Each sculpture reveals not only technical mastery but also the emotional and psychological depth that defined Roman artistry.
What sets this exhibition apart is not only the rarity of the works, but the immersive experience surrounding them. The museum has developed an innovative interpretive approach that engages all the senses.
An original 60 minutes audio guide narrated by celebrated Quebec actress Anne Dorval, accompanies visitors through the galleries, enriched by the elegance of baroque music.
Beyond the visual experience, a dedicated sensory space invites exploration of the textures, colors, scents, and gestures of ancient Roman workshops. Through tactile, olfactory, and creative activities, visitors of all ages are encouraged to connect with history in a vivid and personal way.
Curated under the direction of Laura Vigo for the Montreal museum and Carlotta Loverini Botta in Rome, this exhibition stands as a landmark cultural moment. It is a rare convergence of history, artistry, and innovation that transforms a museum visit into a journey across time.
Overall a visit to the Torlonia exhibition is an experience that is both intellectually enriching and deeply moving.
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