The National Gallery of Ancient Art in Rome is currently featuring a major exhibition called 'Bernini and the Barberini,' which examines the intricate relationship between the renowned artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Cardinal Maffeo Barberini, who later became Pope Urban VIII. This exhibition, running until June 14, 2025, is being highlighted as a blockbuster event, thanks to ambitious international loans facilitated by director Thomas C. Salomon in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Intesa Sanpaolo. It is designed to fit within the original architectural spaces and reflects the elegant baroque decor associated with the Barberini family.

The exhibition is organized into six sections, offering a comprehensive look at the historical and artistic contexts of Bernini's work. The first section is notably engaging, illustrating Bernini's complex beginnings as a sculptor alongside his father, Pietro Bernini. It sets the stage for understanding how Urban VIII recognized Bernini’s potential early on, planning to elevate him as a leading figure in the Baroque artistic movement of the time. This historical backdrop enriches the viewer's appreciation of the art on display and its significance within the evolution of Roman Baroque.

The event not only showcases notable artworks but also serves to spotlight the cultural legacy of Rome and its historical narratives, reinforcing the city's transformation into a living theater influenced by its artistic treasures. The accompanying catalog, curated by Andrea Bacchi and Maurizia Cecconi and published by Allemandi, provides further insight into Bernini's life and works, emphasizing the enduring impact of the artist on Rome's cultural and artistic heritage.