Pop Icons and High Fashion: Luigi & Iango Take Over GNAM

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

The marble halls of the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GNAM) are about to host one of the most visually arresting exhibitions of the year: a rare, institutional showcase of the internationally acclaimed fashion photography duo Luigi Murenu and Iango Henzi. Titled Corpi speciali, this expansive collection pulls back the curtain on contemporary pop culture royalty, bringing over a hundred striking portraits of icons like Madonna and Rihanna out of the glossy pages of high fashion magazines and onto the walls of Rome’s premier modern art institution. It is a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of contemporary bodily identity that bridges the gap between haute couture glamour and profound modern art.

Haute Couture Meets Neoclassical Marble

Stepping into GNAM for this exhibition feels like walking into a high-stakes editorial shoot where time has momentarily stopped. Instead of the quiet, dusty reverence often associated with Rome's older galleries, there is a distinct, electric current running through these rooms. The sheer scale of the black-and-white portraiture commands attention, contrasting sharply against the gallery's grand, neoclassical architecture. You can expect to see meticulous, hyper-detailed silver gelatin prints that capture the raw, unfiltered humanity beneath the celebrity veneer. The curation by Francesca Alfano Miglietti masterfully guides you through themes of vulnerability, strength, and transformation, demanding that you look closely at the texture of the skin, the tension in the poses, and the defiant gazes of the subjects. It is an immersive visual essay on how we construct and perform identity today.

A Collision of Pop Culture and Art Enthusiasts

The crowd this exhibition draws is as fascinating as the artwork itself. You will find a dynamic mix of sharp-dressed fashion students sketching in the corners, international visitors drawn by the celebrity subjects, and local art critics debating the intersection of commercial photography and fine art. There is a palpable buzz in the air as groups of friends huddle around the most iconic shots, pointing out hidden details in the styling or the lighting. It turns the typically solitary experience of museum-going into a shared, conversational event, where the subjects on the walls spark immediate, passionate discussions about beauty standards and modern fame among the diverse faces wandering the gallery floor.

Know Before You Go

• Book in advance: As this is a major autumn opening, weekend slots are expected to sell out quickly. Secure your entry via the official GNAM website.
• Timing your visit: Arrive early in the morning right at opening, or late in the afternoon on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds and get a clear, unobstructed view of the large-scale portraits.
• Getting there: The gallery is nestled on the edge of the Villa Borghese gardens. The easiest approach is taking the tram (lines 3 or 19) directly to the Galleria Arte Moderna stop.
• Accessibility: GNAM is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available to navigate the different exhibition levels.
• What to bring: Pack light, as large bags will need to be checked in the cloakroom. A good camera is tempting, but check the venue's latest photography policy at the door before snapping the exhibits.

Make a Weekend of It

A visit to GNAM places you perfectly for a leisurely autumn weekend exploring the elegant Parioli district and the historic centre. After soaking in the high-fashion photography, take a crisp walk through the Villa Borghese gardens down towards Piazza di Spagna. Here, you can treat yourself to an artisanal gelato at Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, famous for its rich, layered flavours like dark chocolate and cremino. For dinner, head slightly further into the heart of the city to Ristorante Alfredo alla Scrofa, an iconic institution just behind Piazza Navona where you can indulge in a comforting plate of traditional pasta. If you prefer a hearty Roman menu and a stellar wine list to dissect the exhibition over, book a table at Ristorante Luigi, Cantina e Cucina on Via Magenta. Finally, for a more relaxed, modern bite the next day, grab an outdoor table at Zia Rosetta near the Pantheon for some of the best contemporary street food in the capital.

I'll be the one spending far too long examining the lighting on the Madonna portraits—see you at the gallery. Alyssa, WhatsOn Rome.