This summer, Palazzo Bonaparte welcomes the sharp wit and tender eye of legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt
This summer, Palazzo Bonaparte welcomes the sharp wit and tender eye of legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt. Tucked just off Piazza Venezia, the historic venue hosts Elliott Erwitt: Icons, a major retrospective spanning more than 70 years of his work.
Known for his signature mix of humor, subtlety, and timing, Erwitt once said, “Photography is an art of observation.” That outlook runs through every image in the exhibition. More than 80 mostly black-and-white photographs lead viewers through his long career, from spontaneous political moments to playful portraits of dogs, to intimate shots of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy. The result is a body of work that’s clever but sincere, polished yet effortless.
Curated by Biba Giacchetti with Gabriele Accornero, the exhibition moves thematically through Palazzo Bonaparte’s grand interiors. Visitors follow Erwitt’s lens through decades of history and emotion, discovering the world through his wry and deeply human perspective. A few rare color prints and behind-the-scenes video interviews round out the show, giving a glimpse into the mind behind the camera.
Presented by Arthemisia with support from Generali Valore Cultura, Fondazione Terzo Pilastro, and Fondazione Cultura e Arte “Poema,” Icons doesn’t require a background in art or photography to enjoy. It invites you to pause, laugh, reflect, and maybe see something ordinary in a new light.
The exhibition runs from June 28 through September 21, 2025, with hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and extended evenings on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available through the Palazzo Bonaparte website.
Elliott Erwitt’s Icons is a rare kind of exhibition – one that’s both easy to enjoy and hard to forget. The simplicity of his images, paired with their emotional depth, makes the show approachable for any viewer, whether or not they’re familiar with photography. Something is refreshing about the way his lens captures the absurdities and beauty of everyday life without ever feeling forced. The layout at Palazzo Bonaparte allows each photograph to breathe, giving space for viewers to laugh, pause, and reflect.
The exhibition strikes a delicate balance between humor and poignancy, and its timelessness feels especially poignant within the historic walls of the palace. From the charm of his dog portraits to the unguarded moments with world leaders and celebrities, Icons resonates on a human level. It’s a standout in Rome’s busy summer art calendar – not because it tries to overwhelm, but because it gently invites a closer look.
In a city overflowing with masterpieces, Icons stands out by keeping things simple. Erwitt shows that honesty and humor can make even the quietest moments unforgettable.
Until September 21, 2025
Palazzo Bonaparte
Piazza Venezia, 5
Opening Times: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, extended evenings on Friday and Saturday
Tickets: Full €16,50, Reduced from €6,50 to €15,50
