Art and infrastructure come together at the construction site. Initiated by the consortium behind Rome’s Metro Line C, led by Webuild and Vianini Lavori and supported by Roma Capitale in collaboration with the relevant Superintendencies, Murales is a contemporary art project that aims to transform Piazza Venezia into a forward-thinking cultural hub. The project will feature works by internationally renowned artists, offering a unique glimpse into the future of contemporary art.

The initiative invites contemplation on the evolving nature of cities and the transformative role of infrastructure projects in shaping a new, human-centred urban model.

Six artists have been invited to interpret the ongoing transformations at Piazza Venezia and in the city, exploring urban themes from their unique perspectives to promote an ongoing dialogue with Rome. This will turn the construction site into a catalyst for urban regeneration.

Starting in December 2024, new pieces of art will be featured every four months on the silos of the Piazza Venezia construction site, transforming this space into an open-air gallery.

Inspired by international models that blend art and infrastructure, such as Naples’ Stazioni dell’Arte, the project benefits from the guidance of a Scientific Committee composed of representatives from some of Rome’s leading cultural institutions: the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, the Galleria Borghese, MAXXI, and the Palazzo delle Esposizioni. Each artist has been selected by the Scientific Committee for their ability to engage with contemporary themes and to innovatively tackle the challenge of creating site-specific works that capture the multifaceted spirit of Rome.

MURALES draws on an artistic tradition deeply rooted in the origins of Western art. The earliest expressions of our civilisation’s creativity appeared on walls—specifically, those of the Lascaux caves, where around 17,000 years ago, humans depicted symbols and scenes of communal life. These works were not merely aesthetic but served as narratives for the community. They expressed identity, values, and a shared vision of the world.

Since then, the concept of murals has continued to evolve, becoming a universal language for public art that bridges the gap between art and society through collective storytelling.

 Project MURALES draws on this tradition, giving it a contemporary twist by transforming the silos at Piazza Venezia into monumental canvases that narrate the story of Rome. Both its present and its future.

The Metro Line C construction site transforms into a symbol of urban renewal and sustainable growth. It becomes a lively, open space—an emblem of a city reinventing itself, where Rome’s timeless beauty meets its drive to evolve.

 Through this initiative, the companies behind the Metro Line C project are not only softening the impact of the Piazza Venezia construction site but also positioning Rome as a leading European metropolis. Here, contemporary art seamlessly blends with infrastructure, following the example set by cities like London, Paris, and Berlin.

The artists

The six artists, each internationally renowned, were selected by a Scientific Committee made up of representatives from Rome’s foremost cultural institutions. Their works embody diverse, original explorations, expressed through a wide range of artistic languages and techniques. Elisabetta Benassi reimagines myths and symbols of the past, incorporating elements tied to 1970s Italy. Liliana Moro’s everyday objects reflect the evolving identity of women. Through his art, Pietro Ruffo revisits the historical narratives of communities, while Marinella Senatore draws on the vibrant tradition of popular illuminations to create contemporary representations of collective and individual identity. TOILETPAPER blends pop culture with fashion and design, while Nico Vascellari’s work taps into the underground youth scene, merging art with the energy of rock music.