To celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, the Embassy of Italy in Washington is hosting a major exhibition titled "Art and Life in Imperial Rome. Trajan and His Times." The showcase blends contemporary architecture with ancient frescoes from Pompeii to highlight the enduring legacy of ancient Rome in today's world.

Set within the Embassy's diplomatic chancery - designed in 2000 by renowned Italian architect Piero Sartogo - the exhibition features Roman statues and frescoes from Pompeii. Through interactive displays powered by a dedicated artificial intelligence platform, visitors can engage in virtual conversations with Emperor Trajan to explore historical connections between his era and modern America, ranging from the origins of the U.S. Senate to Washington’s neoclassical architecture.

Supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and patronized by the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition features significant loans from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN). The collection arrives in Washington following successful runs at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Saint Louis Art Museum.

The grand opening was led by Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States. Key attendees included Michael Rigas, Deputy Secretary of State and Director of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and Francesco Sirano, Director of MANN. The opening reception featured musical performances by soprano Angela Knight and members of the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Gianandrea Noseda.

The exhibition will be open through January 31, 2027, with reservations required via the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington’s website.