Special exhibitions are now a standard, often unquestioned part of museum practice. However, the cultural policy goals pursued with them are rarely considered.
Image gallery
Installation von Botticellis „Geburt der Venus“ im Petit Palais für die Ausstellung „Art Italien: De Cimabue à Tiepolo“, 1935
Art historian Matilde Cartolari will discuss the Old Master exhibitions of Italian art organized by Mussolini's fascist regime in Europe, based on her newly published work, "Ambassadors of Beauty: Italian Old Master Exhibitions and Fascist Cultural Diplomacy 1930–1940."
This event invites reflection on the circulation and preservation of cultural heritage, cultural diplomacy, propaganda, and the relationship between art history, museums, and politics, drawing on this historical study.
Schedule:
6:00 p.m.: Welcome and introduction by Dr. Dagmar Hirschfelder (Director of the Gemäldegalerie, SMB) and Dr. Neville Rowley (Curator of Early Italian Art, Gemäldegalerie, SMB)
6:10 p.m.: Lecture by Dr. Matilde Cartolari (Central Institute for Art History/LMU, Munich)
6:50 p.m.: Panel discussion with Dr. Dagmar Hirschfelder, Dr. Neville Rowley, and Dr. Matilde Cartolari, moderated by Prof. Dr. Bénédicte Savoy (Technical University of Berlin), followed by a discussion.
7:30 p.m.: Reception in the foyer and a guided tour of the Italian galleries for interested participants.
An event in cooperation with the Technical University of Berlin, Institute for Art History and Historical Urban Studies.
Admission is free.
Limited capacity. Registration is recommended.
Additional information
Dates
February 2026
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