Italy is well known for its long legacy of great artists, and one of the most talented painters to ever grace these beautiful lands is known by the name of Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, or simply ‘Raphael’ outside of Italy. You may know Raphael for his famous “School of Athens” fresco located in the Vatican’s Pontifical Palace, his tapestries designs for the Sistine Chapel or one of his many other brilliant paintings that grace the walls of the world’s most prestigious museums, villas, and churches. Since Raphael’s art has left such a strong and enduring impact, it is hard to believe that it has been 500 years since his death! To honor Raphael and his life, the largest exhibition of his works to date is set to open in Rome this Spring with the short yet impactful title named after the Renaissance master himself, RAFFAELLO.

This revolutionary exhibition scheduled to take place at the Scuderie del Quirinale from March 5 through June 2, 2020, will bring together over 200 of Raphael’s most famous works and comparison pieces for the first time under one roof. With such an impressive collection of artwork, it is no wonder why the number of pre-sale tickets sold for RAFFAELLO has been groundbreaking! Wondering just what all the hype is about? Read on, because this insider’s guide will tell you all you need to know about Raphael, why you need to see this upcoming exhibition, and where else you can celebrate Raphael’s life and art in Rome!

Note: RAFFAELLO is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy and a re-opening date has not yet been decided. For updated information, visit the Scuderie del Quirinale’s website

So, Just Who is Raphael?

Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael quickly rose to fame and earned his spot in the holy trinity of Italian Renaissance painters alongside the famous names of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti. From working at his father’s workshop in his hometown to training under some of the best artists in Florence, Raphael became the master himself and even operated his own extremely successful workshop where he trained students in the art of painting. Ultimately, he moved to Rome where he would create an impressive collection of art and architecture over the span of a decade before his sudden death at the age of 37. Even now, Raphael and his circle have left a long-lasting and impactful legacy in the art world.

Raphael truly encompassed the essence of the Italian High Renaissance style of painting as his technique focused on depicting accurate perspective, anatomical correctness, and the idealization of man. Though Raphael’s art set trends of the time, he maintained his own unique style through the use of rich colors, precise clarity, serene human grandeur, and seemingly effortless compositions. Undeniably, the harmony and sheer beauty of his works makes Raphael one of the greatest painters to ever live in the minds of most Art History lovers. Whether you have been a fan for years or are just learning about this artist for the first time, making your way to see Raphael’s works in person will allow you to appreciate them in the best way possible!

200+ Masterpieces Are Being Brought Together For the First Time

So, I bet you are wondering just how the Scuderie del Quirinale managed to get their hands on so many priceless Raphael works for this monumental show. The answer is that renowned museums from around the globe loaned them out for this once in a lifetime exhibition! While Raphael’s paintings, drawings, and sketches are undoubtedly key pieces in their respected museums, missing out on the opportunity to compile these works together for the 500th anniversary of Raphael’s death would be a shame.

Thanks to generous contributions by institutions such as Italy’s Vatican Museums, Borghese Gallery, National Galleries of Ancient Art, Museum and Real Bosco di Capodimonte, National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Brescia Museums Foundation, and Bologna’s Pinacoteca Nazionale, alongside the Louvre, the Prado in Madrid, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, London’s National Gallery, the Albertina in Vienna, the British Museums, the Royal Collection, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the RAFFAELLO Exhibition is being brought to life! Of course we cannot forget the Uffizi Gallery whose contributions prove key in curating the collection.

If you have ever been on a guided tour of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, you probably noticed more than a few paintings by Raphael- and many of these masterpieces will be making their way to Rome! With around 50 donations in total, the Uffizi Gallery is undoubtedly one of the biggest contributors to RAFFAELLO and also serves as the co-organizer of the exhibition alongside the Scuderie del Quirinale. If you plan to take a trip to Florence after the exhibition is over, the artworks will return to their original postings for the visitors to admire year-round!

The Breathtaking Works That Will Be Featured in the Exhibition

With over 100 paintings and drawings by Raphael himself and around 100 other works being brought for comparison within the same gallery, RAFFAELLO is doing something that has never been done before. According to the curators, the show will focus on Raphael’s creative journey and the last 10 years of his life in Rome which proved crucial in establishing his prominence in the art world. Some famous pieces on display in the exhibition include the “Madonna del Granduca,” “Woman with a Veil,” “Portrait of Baldassarre Castiglione,” “Self-Portrait with Friend,” and the “Madonna of the Rose.”

This exciting new exhibition can be accredited to the curators Marzia Faietti and Matteo Lafranconi who were assisted by Vincenzo Farinella and Francesco Paolo Di Teodoro. A team of experts from museums and leading artistic institutions from across the globe are also to thank, as they were assembled to help organize RAFFAELLO as well. Needless to say, you don’t want to miss out on this upcoming Raphael exhibition at Scuderie del Quirinale.

Where, When, & How to See the RAFFAELLO Exhibition in Rome

Now that you know all of the amazing wonders that await you at the RAFFAELLO Exhibition, you are probably wondering how to see it for yourself! The exhibition scheduled from March 5 through June 2, 2020, will be held at the beautiful Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome (Via Ventiquattro Maggio, 16, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.) Located near Quirinal Hill, this venue is just a short walk away from iconic Roman monuments such as the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum.

Can’t wait to get your hands on these hot selling tickets? You are not alone in your desires as a whopping 10,000 pre-sale tickets have already been sold! Ticket prices to enter the RAFFAELLO Exhibition (including the reservation fees on their website) range from about €2.50 to €17.50 depending on your age, profession, and the time / day you choose to visit. A lunch break ticket, for example, will save you a few bucks but only allows entrance on weekdays during the early afternoon. The museum also offers special deals to students, researchers, professors, and licensed tour guides so be sure to check if you are eligible for a discount upon purchase.

For more details on pricing and to request tickets, visit the Scuderie del Quirinale’s official website or stop by the Scuderie del Quirinal’s ticket office in person upon arrival in Rome.

Note: RAFFAELLO is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy and a re-opening date has not yet been decided. For updated information visit the Scuderie del Quirinale’s official website.

See the Red Rose on Raphael’s Grave in the Pantheon

After seeing all of Raphael’s magnificent works, you may find it difficult to believe the artist died at the young age of 37 on April 6, 1520. If you are visiting Rome on vacation, the chances that you will stop by the Pantheon at some point during your trip are pretty high. What many tourists don’t realize however, is that besides being a beautiful example of ancient architecture, the Pantheon also happens to be the location of the great Raphael’s grave!

In honor of the 500th anniversary of his death, a single red rose will be placed on the great Renaissance artist’s grave by the city of Rome every day of 2020. So, if you plan on traveling to Rome anytime this year (even after the exhibition ends,) be sure to check out this beautiful gesture and pay homage to the wonderful life of Raphael! Wondering what the inscription on his tomb reads? It is a quote by Raphael’s dear friend that translates to “Here lies that famous Raphael by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die.”

Where Else to Discover Raphael in Rome

Want more Raphael? You’re in luck because there are a ton of works by Raphael in Rome that can be enjoyed at all times of the year! Perhaps the most famous of these can be found while touring the Vatican Museums. Here, you’ll find the Stanze di Raffaello, also known as Raphael’s Rooms, which feature floor to ceiling frescos completed in the typical Renaissance style. These four rooms commissioned for the Pontifical Palace by Pope Julius II incorporate themes of the acquisition of knowledge (as seen in the School of Athens) and religion (I mean, it is the Vatican after all!) Other works by Raphael with religious subjects include “The Crowning of the Virgin,” “Madonna di Foligno,” and of course, “The Transfiguration” which can be found in Vatican’s Pinacoteca. Did you know that Raphael contributed to the architectural design of St. Peter’s Basilica as well?

There is more Raphael in Rome where that came from too! On a tour of the Borghese Gallery you’ll find famous works such as “Portrait of Young Woman with Unicorn” and “Deposition of Christ” that were painted by Raphael himself. Other beautiful museums where you can find iconic paintings by Raphael include Galleria Barberini and the Doria Pamphilj Gallery. We also recommend you check out Raphael’s frescoes at Villa Farnese which depict the enticing tales of Cupid and Psyche. If you want to save money on ticket costs, you can even see Raphael’s paintings and architectural designs for free in churches such as the Basilica of Sant‘Agostino, Santa Maria del Popolo, and the Church of Santa Maria della Pace!

Learn More About Italy & the Great Raphael on a Tour With Us!

Thanks for reading our guide to the 2020 Raphael Exhibition in Rome! Did you know that we offer top-rated experiences and tours in Rome and various other destinations across Italy? For more information or to arrange a tour, check out What a Life Tours or contact us by phone +39 06 88975757/+39 334 7273299 (WhatsApp), or email at [email protected]!