Albert Watson’s ‘Roma Codex,’ a visual love letter to the eternal city

Albert Watson’s ‘Roma Codex,’ a visual love letter to the eternal city.
© Azienda Speciale Palaexpo / Alberto Novelli

The iconic photographer unveils his most intimate project yet – an atmospheric journey through the soul of Rome, on view now at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni.

After two years of capturing Rome in powerfully different ways, Albert Watson set off the largest photographic exhibition in all of Italian history, titled Roma Codex. Roma Codex, a photographic exhibition dedicated to Watson, opened on May 9 at the Palazzo Esposizioni Roma

© Azienda Speciale Palaexpo / Alberto Novelli

Albert Watson, one of the most iconic photographers of the past half-century, known for his striking portraiture, fashion photography and fine art images. Born in Scotland in 1942, Watson moved to New York City in the 1970s, where he built a prolific career photographing icons and working for Vogue, Rolling Stone and countless global advertising campaigns.

Recognizable by his mastery of light, composition and mood, Watson’s work is part of the permanent collections of major institutions including the Smithsonian and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

© Azienda Speciale Palaexpo / Alberto Novelli

The exhibition includes 200 black and white and color photographs, put together in three halls in an instinctive setting, curated by Clara Tosi Pamphili. The photos, many in large format, arranged in a non-linear fashion to encourage a personal and instinctive exploration. Watson’s photographs juxtapose the grandeur of Rome’s architecture with candid human moments, creating a visual narrative that reflects the city’s rich contrasts.

The exhibition is open Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The exhibition will close on August 3 so be sure to see Roma Codex and the eternal city through the intelligent lens of Albert Watson.

© Albert Watson
© Albert Watson


Until August 3, 2025

PALAZZO DELLE ESPOSIZIONI

Via Nazionale 194, Rome

Opening times: Monday to Wednesday and Sunday: 10am – 8pm

Thursday to Saturday: 10am – 10:30pm

Tickets: 12,30€

palazzoesposizioniroma.it

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