Palazzo Doria Pamphilj al Corso

The triumph of art in the heart of Rome

Galleria
Doria Pamphilj

THE EVENTS

A precious frame
to your event

Monumental complex

The Doria Pamphilj
Palace on the Corso

Storicamente luogo eletto per feste eleganti e salotti letterari.

The splendid monumental complex of the Doria Pamphilj Palace, the first nucleus of which dates back to the mid-15^th century, contains five courtyards, a sumptuous grand vestibule, three entrance halls, four magnificent staircases, a series of splendidly decorated rooms and a Gallery with works of art from one of Italy’s most glorious Baroque-era collections, displayed in 18^th-century style. Larger than many European royal palaces and the residence to this day of the Doria Pamphilj family, it is the most important inhabited building in Rome.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

A long tradition of events

The beautiful halls of the Gallery are still the perfect setting for events, yours.

The social history of the palace is well-documented. Since 1647 it has distinguished itself as a venue for elegant parties and literary salons frequented by the entire Roman nobility, as well as a stunning setting for theatrical entertainments, musical performances and board games.

It hosted Roman pontiffs, first and foremost Innocent X Pamphilj, whose presence is still preserved in the marvellous portrait by Velázquez, and the most powerful and cultured cardinals, Spanish and French ambassadors, Queen Christina of Sweden, emperors and rulers from throughout Europe, important artists and musicians (Bernini, Borromini, Dughet, Guercino, Mattia Preti, Corelli, Scarlatti, Handel, and the 14-year-old Mozart), to whom the Pamphilj princes offered refined lunches with exotic foods and precious ephemeral sugar sculptures.

In 1767, when, following the extinction of the Pamphilj family, the Genoese Doria Landi heirs established their residence here, the social and cultural events of the house enjoyed a second period of great prestige.

Every Tuesday evening, learned conversations took place in the apartments of the newly restored palace, and there were numerous elegant receptions and dance parties, notably including one held in honour of Emperor Joseph II and Pietro Leopoldo, Grand Duke of Tuscany, on 2 April 1769, with the accompaniment of four orchestras dressed in specially made liveries.

The event was organised by the architect Francesco Nicoletti, who in just four days transformed the courtyard on the Corso into a huge ballroom, raising the floor to the level of the Gallery.

Later, guests welcomed at the palace included members of the French court and related artists (Canova and Valadier among others), King Victor Emmanuel II and British nobility, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Franz Liszt, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Buffalo Bill, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Francis Bacon, popes and heads of state, major figures from the worlds of culture and art, fashion, cinema and music, and journalists and industrialists.

Celebrations and banquets were also held for the birth of the nine children of Prince Andrea IV Doria Pamphilj and his wife Leopoldina di Savoia Carignano, and for the marriages of these children and their descendants, culminating in the sumptuous wedding celebrated on 8 January 1906, for which the Ballroom was decorated with the precious silk hangings that still cover the walls today, of Count Febo Borromeo d’Adda and Donna Orietta, daughter of Don Alfonso and Lady Emily Pelham Clinton of the Dukes of Newcastle, an event reported for weeks on the front pages of European newspapers.

On 15 February 1854, on the occasion of the introduction in Rome of gas lighting, a great party was held in the Doria Pamphilj palace, one of the first private buildings to boast of this innovation, in the presence of Pope Pius IX and with over two thousand lights.

The grand celebration organised by Prince Alfonso on the evening of 26 April 1893 for the silver wedding of the King of Italy, Umberto I of Savoy and Queen Margherita, in the presence of the Emperor of Germany, Wilhelm II, as well as sovereigns and representatives of all the European courts, was an event of such importance that Émile Zola recalled it in his book of 1896, Les Trois Villes – Rome. Wilhelm II was impressed by the reception and it was said that when he invited Prince Doria Pamphilj to Berlin, he feared he would not be able to entertain him as sumptuously.

There were also numerous charity events – a tradition particularly dear to the family which continued into the 20^th century – with meals offered to orphans and the needy, lending rooms of the palace to the Red Cross for the preparation of packages to be sent to soldiers at the front during the World Wars, and the foundation of the Association of Italian Guides (AGI), initially based here in clandestine form in 1943. In the 1970s and 1980s Donna Orietta and Don Frank organised classical music concerts for Amnesty International, and in our own time dinners and balls continue, supporting the Santa Francesca Romana Foundation, the Lazio AIRC Committee, Anlaids Lazio and numerous other organisations.

It is worth mentioning a few of the most important events of recent years:

On 17 October 2000, during a rare official visit to Rome, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Donna Orietta the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and honoured Palazzo Doria Pamphilj with her presence. In 2016, the highly significant 50^th anniversary of the Anglican Centre of Rome was celebrated here, with the participation of all Anglican Primates and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In May 2016 an exclusive dinner organised by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti took place here for the Rome Opera House premiere of Verdi’s La Traviata, with designs by Maison Valentino and directed by Sofia Coppola.

In March 2017, the Gallery hosted the international Digital Day organised by the European Commission as part of the celebrations for the 60^th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome.

Finally, on 24 October 2019, the sumptuous Baroque rooms provided the ideal setting for a magnificent presentation of Roman fashion designer Giambattista Valli’s collection for H&M.

Contacts

Whatever your event, you will have the opportunity to offer your guests a guided tour that will enrich their experience at Galleria Pamphilj, recounting the history and beauty of the works of art that will provide a precious backdrop to your reception.