Why the Impressionist Exhibition at the Ara Pacis Is Worth Visiting

I recently visited the exhibition “Impressionism and Beyond: Masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts” at the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome, and I left pleasantly surprised. It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting cultural events in the city at the moment and will be on view until May 3, 2026.

The 52 works on display all come from the American museum’s collection, making this a particularly rare opportunity: these masterpieces are not easily seen in Europe and rarely travel outside the United States.

The works guide visitors along a journey from Impressionism to the threshold of modern art. Room by room, it becomes clear how, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the way of seeing the world changed: light and color take center stage, along with everyday life and emotions, giving rise to a freer and more immediate form of painting.

I particularly enjoyed spending time with works by Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Matisse, but it was Pablo Picasso who truly impressed me. The ten works on display allow visitors to clearly follow his transition from a more faithful representation of reality to an increasingly personal and abstract vision—a powerful and highly engaging moment in his artistic journey.

The exhibition layout is simple and well-organized, designed also for those who are not art experts. This made the visit especially enjoyable for me, even though my personal preference leans toward Renaissance painting. If you are looking for an accessible yet stimulating introduction to modern art, this exhibition is a highly recommended stop while in Rome. Given the high number of visitors, it’s best to book tickets in advance.