Radiant Babies and Roman Palazzos: Keith Haring, Icons Arrives

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Imagine stepping off the cobbled streets of Rome's historic centre, leaving the sweeping Bernini fountains behind, and walking straight into the pulsating, neon-bright energy of 1980s New York. Radiant babies, barking dogs, and dancing figures rendered in thick, unapologetic lines now line the walls of an opulent baroque palace. This season, the Eternal City is hosting a brilliant collision of eras with Keith Haring, Icons / Icone. Taking over the majestic spaces of the Museo di Roma at Palazzo Braschi, this highly anticipated retrospective offers a striking visual contrast to the surrounding Renaissance and baroque masterpieces. It is a bold reminder of how universal and enduring Haring’s street-inspired visual language remains, making it an absolute must-see for anyone exploring the capital over the coming months.

Neon Lines and Baroque Marble

As you move through the palatial rooms, the exhibition refuses to be a quiet, dusty affair. The vibrant primary colours of Haring’s canvases pop dramatically against the museum's grand staircases, ornate ceilings, and rich historic architecture. It feels less like a traditional gallery viewing and more like a joyful takeover. You can pause by the towering windows to look down at the bustling Piazza Navona below, then turn back to face bold social commentary painted on tarpaulins and subway posters. Families can easily wander through the highly visual, accessible displays that instantly capture younger imaginations, while art lovers can dig deep into the layers of activism, pop culture, and street life that defined Haring's tragically short but explosive career.

Generations Collide in the Galleries

The atmosphere inside Palazzo Braschi feels refreshingly dynamic for a historic Roman museum. You will find a genuine mix of people sharing the space: local art students huddled with sketchpads trying to capture Haring’s kinetic energy, older residents who remember the global rise of pop art, and weekend visitors looking for a modern cultural palate cleanser after days spent touring ancient ruins. There is a palpable buzz in the air—a quiet, collective hum of recognition as people encounter iconic motifs they have seen replicated worldwide, finally standing face-to-face with the powerful originals. It turns what could be a solitary viewing experience into a communal celebration of highly accessible, boundary-breaking art.

Know Before You Go

• Book your entry in advance: Weekend slots, especially on rainy autumn or winter afternoons, fill up rapidly. Secure your spot via the official Museo di Roma website.
• Time your visit: Aim for early morning on a weekday if you want to experience the exhibition with a little more breathing room.
• Travel light: The palazzo has a cloakroom, which is incredibly useful for dropping off heavy winter coats and umbrellas so you can navigate the busy exhibition spaces comfortably.
• Look out the windows: Do not miss the stunning elevated views of Piazza Navona from the museum's upper floors—they are a breathtaking exhibit in themselves.

Make a Weekend of It

After immersing yourself in pop art, step back out into the timeless rhythm of the Centro Storico. You are perfectly placed to turn a morning gallery trip into a full Roman afternoon. For a relaxed lunch just a stone's throw from Piazza Navona, La Nuova Piazzetta Navona is a fantastic choice; it has been serving up brilliant wood-fired pizzas since the 1920s, and their covered outdoor seating is perfect for changeable seasonal weather.

If you fancy a short, scenic walk toward the Pantheon, join the queue at Osteria da Fortunata - Pantheon. Watching the staff hand-roll fresh pasta by the window builds the anticipation, and their gnocchi alla Sorrentina is the ultimate post-museum comfort food. Alternatively, slip down a quiet side street nearby to find Zia Rosetta. It is a wonderful little trattoria where a bowl of minestrone and a crispy fried artichoke make for a stunning, authentic lunch away from the main tourist drag.

Finally, no day out in the centre is complete without a sweet finish. Take a leisurely stroll up towards the Spanish Steps and treat yourself to a rich, multi-layered cone at Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato—the cremino and pistachio flavours are entirely worth the walk.

Enjoy the vibrant collision of eras, and I’ll see you out there.