Scuderie del Quirinale

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The structure occupies the site of the ancient Temple of Serapis.

2. 2

   The original stables were commissioned by Pope Innocent XIII and designed by Alessandro Specchi.

3. 3

   Gae Aulenti's restoration introduced a glassed-in bridge that creates a clear visual link between the historical building and the city.

4. 4

   The building was designed to accommodate the horses and carriages of the papal court, explaining its unusually wide and shallow staircases.

5. 5

   The exhibition space spans several floors, utilizing the vast volumes of the former haylofts and stalls.

6. 6

   The gallery does not maintain a permanent collection, allowing it to reconfigure its spatial layout for each unique exhibition.

7. 7

   The building is officially owned by the Italian Presidency of the Republic.

Overview

The Scuderie del Quirinale is a high-profile exhibition space housed in the former papal stables of the Quirinal Palace. The building dates to the early 18th century and was significantly renovated by architect Gae Aulenti in the late 1990s to serve as a contemporary art gallery. It operates as a non-collecting institution, hosting major temporary retrospective exhibitions rather than a permanent display. The architecture blends historical masonry with modern glass and steel, featuring a prominent elevated ramp that connects the different levels. Located on the highest of Rome's seven hills, the venue offers panoramic views of the city skyline. It functions under the auspices of the Azienda Speciale Palaexpo and is dedicated to hosting scholarly-curated art shows often featuring international loans.

Insider tips

• Check the official website before visiting to see if pre-booking is required for specific blockbuster exhibitions.

• Allocate time to look out of the panoramic windows on the upper floors for a unique elevated perspective of Rome.

• Visit the gift shop for high-quality exhibition-specific catalogues that are often not available elsewhere.