MASTERPIECES FROM EUROPE

On 25 March 1957 at the Campidoglio in Rome, six European countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands signed two treaties one establishing the European Economic Community and the other the European Atomic Energy Community, known today as the Treaties of Rome. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Italian Republic is organizing an imposing exhibition in which all 27 Members States of the European Union today are participating. Each country has chosen a masterpiece representative of their country and history. The exhibition benefits from the cooperation of the Representation in Italy of the European Commission as well as the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Regione Lazio and is supported by the European Parliament. The exhibition will take place in the normally private Salone dei Corazzieri of the Palazzo del Quirinale. The exhibition covers an impressive chronology from the 3rd millennium BC - the 'Fat Lady' from Malta - to the most contemporary work presented by Denmark, 'Profezia su Venezia' painted in 1976 by Kirkeby. These 27 works will represent the course of European culture from classical through medieval times to the Renaissance, the advent of modernism and finally the 20th Century. The centre piece of the exibition will be a 4th Century BC vase, discovered by the Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale representing the 'rape of Europe' which will be displayed beside the original Treaties.

These unique and diverse masterpieces will be on view in the setting designed by the Italian team of Luca Ronconi and Margherita Palli. This cooperation among the 27 Member States of the European Union will take visitors to on a journey through the cultures depicted by the 28 masterpieces; an extraordinary journey that spans some 5000 years of history and demonstrates Europe's deep classical roots and successive interwoven heritage. Through common sharing and assimilation, this cultural reflection aims to help the citizens of Europe feel united by common traditions, ideals and aspirations. The exhibition will be opened on 23 March 2007 by the Italian head of State Giorgio Napolitano, the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, by the Presidents of all the Parliaments of the European Union and their Ministries of Culture. This event has been organised with the support of MondoMostre and the sponsorship of UniCredit Group, Gruppo Poste Italiane and Compagnia di San Paolo. It will be open to the public, free of charge, from 24 March to 20 May, 2007 with the exception of Sundays when a 5 euro entrance fee will be charged to include a visit to the Presidential Palace.