Rome has been the resilient European powerhouse of art and culture since the dawn of modern civilization. But since 1980, Romaeuropa Festival has sought to introduce a flavor of contemporary design to Rome through performing arts, music, dance and theater.

What is?

Now established as one of the most important artistic events in the world, the Romaeuropa Festival attracts a multitude of acts from a wide range of media to showcase their works during two autumn months, between September and November of each year. In the archaic halls and theaters of the sprawling ancient city, tourists enjoying the delights of the Pantheon can slip into a show at one of many participating venues, such as the Olympic Theater and the Parco de la Música Auditorium, which showcases a inverted world of contemporary design in Rome.

The new meets the old

Lovers of modern art and forward-thinking innovative ideas can almost forget the historical wonders and romance that awaits them outside. Although this is unlikely, considering that the main reason to visit this wonderful old city is for the old buildings and the works of art. However, it shows how popular and strong the festival’s appeal is, managing to survive so long in a place where contemporary art is not the first thing that comes to mind.

Explore the city

Visitors to the festival can take a stroll from their accommodation and in an instant choose between the city’s ancient and classic delights: the galleries, museums, chapels, the Colosseum and the Pantheon, or enjoy the most contemporary design of Rome and experience a Completely different side to the 2,000-year-old city. There are influences from around the world featuring famous acts, undiscovered artistic gems, and new, never-before-seen material to thrill and intrigue visitors in equal measure.

Enjoy art

At the heart of the festival in 2012 was the centenary of the birth of the 20th century postmodern composer John Cage, known for his experimental musical works, including the score “4’33”. This year, the program features a wide range of exciting contemporary Rome designs and multimedia artistic renderings. These include a musical play called “Aliados,” which focuses on the relationship between Margaret Thatcher’s meetings and former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet in the years 1998-2000. The piece aims to explore the memories shared by the couple from recent history and show how events can alter due to the decline of their respective psychological conditions.

But the festival is not all modern stage art. There are classical compositions and dances depicting the ingrained traditions of the city sitting comfortably alongside postmodern operas, a refreshing take on the Messiaen / Santasangre way, for example.

The Italian capital has plenty of rich culture to offer tourists throughout the year, but with the added injection of a two-month celebration of contemporary design in Rome, there are more ways than ever to enjoy your visit.