The History of the Gallery
Palazzo Borghese and the Galleria Terrena
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An architectural heritage
Palazzo Borghese, located in the heart of Rome between the Spanish Steps and the Tiber River, is a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture. Its distinctive
trapezoidal shape earned it the nickname “harpsichord,” inspired by its resemblance to the musical instrument.
Originally owned by the Chigi family, it was purchased in 1602 by Cardinal Camillo Borghese, the future Pope Paul V, who transformed it into a sumptuous family residence. The palace housed a rich collection of sculptures and paintings, displayed in what was already called the “gallery of statues” in the seventeenth century. Over the centuries, frescoed rooms decorated with works by renowned artists have made Palazzo Borghese a symbol of prestige and culture.
Galleria del Cembalo
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From 2013, a new exhibition space
In 2013, some of the historic halls on the first floor of Palazzo Borghese were reopened to the public with the inauguration of the Cembalo Gallery. Founded on the initiative of Paola Stacchini Cavazza with Mario Peliti,
the gallery was distinguished by a special focus on photography and its dialogue with other arts. Its name is a tribute to the conformation of the building and its cultural heritage.
In addition to its artistic programming, the gallery has been able to evolve, transforming into a refined space for exclusive events, conventions and corporate meetings. always keeping its historical atmosphere and artistic value intact.
The Exhibitions: a decade of
culture and innovation
From 2013 to 2023, the Cembalo Gallery hosted an intense exhibition activity, with a special focus on photography and its dialogue with other art forms. With over sixty exhibitions, the gallery has promoted projects of great cultural value, consolidating itself as an important reality in the Roman art scene
c—Presence in international Contexts
Over the years, the Cembalo Gallery has participated in several editions of the most prestigious art fairs, such as Arte Fiera Bologna, Artissima, Photo London and Paris Photo, taking its artistic vision beyond national borders and contributing to the dissemination of contemporary photographic culture.
The exhibitions of the Cembalo have received significant attention from the press and specialized media, with reviews published in national and international press headlines such as The New York Times, Le Figaro, L'Espresso and RaiNews24. The legacy of the Gallery of the Cembalo lies in its ability to combine the historical charm of Palazzo Borghese with an innovative approach to contemporary art, leaving a distinctive mark into the world of photography.