The exhibition commemorates the 80th anniversary of Rome’s first aerial bombardment. Titled “July 19, 1943. History Photography Art. San Lorenzo 80 Years After the Bombing,” it displays ten historic photos sourced from archives including Istituto Luce, ATAC Historical Photographic Archive, Pontifical Oratory of San Paolo Historical Archive, and Capitoline Superintendency for Cultural Heritage’s Museum of Rome Photographic Archive. These images, depicting destruction and suffering, inspired ten contemporary artists to create original works conveying the impact to new generations. Each artist was assigned a specific photo as a creative guide.

The artworks cover various aspects of the bombing’s aftermath, such as crowds observing debris, excavation efforts in ruins, and the ruins’ impact on Princess Maria José’s visit. The exhibition also explores a damaged public transport vehicle, a crater caused by the bombing, and a recovered Roman sarcophagus. The show concludes with pieces representing a friar witnessing church damage and a reinterpretation of a photo of Father Libero Raganella, who aided bombing victims and resisted Nazi-Fascism during the war.

The exhibition is supported by Roma Capitale and curated by Chiara Di Martino, with scientific coordination by Ilaria Schiaffini. It’s organized by Zètema Progetto Cultura.

Where: Parco dei Caduti 19 luglio 1943
When: until the 15th of October
Opening Hours: Open for visitation from dawn to dusk.