A family of entrepreneurs acquired an ancient bar in Rome's Pigneto neighborhood in 2020, inheriting a Roman-era hypogeum dating back to the 1st century BC. Originally a pozzolana quarry, later a wine cellar and WWII air-raid shelter, the space beneath the historic bar Necci dal 1924 reopened to the public on March 12 as an exhibition venue. It now hosts "Sottoforma," a cycle of three exhibitions curated by Donatella Giordano and Agatha Jaubourg that explore the theme of the invisible through contemporary art. The first exhibition features works by Eva Marisaldi, Enrico Serotti, and Luca Vitone, running until March 31, followed by shows with Iginio De Luca and Liliana Moro in April, and José Angelino and Elena Bellantoni in May 2026.
This project matters because it transforms an archaeological and historical site into a contemporary art space, creating a dialogue between ancient architecture and modern artistic practices. By focusing on the concept of the invisible—what is perceived but not seen, what escapes immediate understanding, and what exists but evades consciousness—the exhibitions challenge viewers to engage with art in a unique subterranean setting. The initiative also revitalizes a local landmark in Rome's Pigneto district, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge contemporary art, and offering a model for repurposing historic spaces for cultural use.