Roma Capodarte 2026: Rome celebrates the start of the new year with over 100 events, almost all of them free.

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The central theme of ROMA CAPODARTE 2026 will be the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Italian Constituent Assembly (1946–2026). Taking place on January 1, the initiative will once again enliven Rome with a city-wide cultural marathon featuring over 100 events, almost all free of charge, across every neighbourhood.

This fifth edition aims to honour the journey toward freedom that emerged from the resistance against Nazi-Fascism and laid the foundations for our democracy. To underline the value of this legacy, 10,000 copies of the Italian Constitution will be distributed free of charge throughout the day during events held across all 15 of the city’s districts (Municipi).

On January 1, the city hosts 100+ events across squares, museums, theatres and venues in every neighbourhood, with three main stages lighting up different areas of Rome.

On January 1, live events take over squares, museums and theatres across the city. In (3–6pm), an open-air concert alternates music with readings from the Italian Constitution. At the (6:30pm), actors Massimo Wertmüller and Anna Ferruzzo present a staged reading from Homer’s Iliad with live music, turning epic into a contemporary reflection on peace and the Constitution’s rejection of war.

At Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone (3–8pm), Il Primo Ballo is a city-wide dance “invasion” featuring tango, swing, balfolk, urban dance and standard ballroom across indoor and outdoor spaces, plus a workshop-performance on manipulative rhetoric (Come parla il perfetto dittatore, 5pm). Elsewhere, concerts and shows continue in multiple districts—from swing with Constitution-themed readings (Piazza Balsamo Crivelli) to community performances (Piazza Roberto Malatesta), a Constitution-focused show with the inclusive Blind Inclusive Orchestra (Teatro Tor Bella Monaca), and an intergenerational programme of music, theatre, readings and comedy at Pinispettinati (Municipio VII). The day also includes a theatre piece on Artemisia Gentileschi (Ex Fabbrica Campari) and a musical marathon at Ponte Milvio featuring readings on freedom of expression, art and culture.

At Palazzo Esposizioni (6pm), a reading-performance tells the story of Adele Bei, one of the “mothers” of the Constituent Assembly. In Piazza Cina (3:30–6pm), Constitution readings are paired with a talk by social educator Azzykky. Teatro del Lido (6pm) hosts Madri Costituenti, a reading and discussion inspired by Piero Calamandrei’s 1955 speech and the stories of the women of the Constituent Assembly.

In Largo Alessandrina Ravizza (3:30–7pm), artists and residents co-create three murals, each dedicated to a constitutional value, accompanied by live readings. Four themed cultural itineraries explore symbolic places in Rome linked to specific constitutional articles (including routes in Villa Borghese, Porta Maggiore, and San Lorenzo), plus visits to the Bunker at Villa Torlonia (3pm and 4pm).

In Trastevere, Spazio S.c.e.n.a. presents a New Year film programme with a tribute to Gian Maria Volontè (Il terrorista, 4pm) followed by Paola Cortellesi’s C’è ancora domani (6pm). At Casa del Cinema (Villa Borghese), two Vittorio De Sica classics screen: Sciuscià (11am) and Ladri di biciclette (8pm), alongside the documentary Figlio di Giano (5pm). Nuovo Cinema Aquila hosts an event focused on Article 1 (“Italy is a democratic Republic founded on work”), with discussion and selected documentary excerpts, plus a screening touching on globalisation.

At La Pelanda (Mattatoio) from 3pm to 7pm, La Repubblica del gioco offers cooperative games, collective building activities, circus practices and performances inspired by constitutional principles such as community, participation and freedom. Palazzo Esposizioni hosts a kids’ art workshop (Dritti ai Diritti, 4:30–6pm) focused on imagining new rights and creating posters. In Municipio V, Teatro Biblioteca Quarticciolo runs a creative writing lab (4pm) linked to Article 21 (freedom of expression).

Several public libraries also join with themed readings and displays tied to key constitutional articles (work, peace, freedom of thought, culture/environment, equality).

The day opens with the traditional concert by Rome’s Local Police Band in Piazza di Spagna (12pm). The proposes La prima Opera buona dell’anno (from 3:45pm), with music, talks and guests, plus a photo exhibition in the foyer. Palazzo Esposizioni hosts a special literature–cinema–memory route that ends with a film screening, while Casa del Jazz features a live concert (6pm).

Across the city, additional concerts and events take place in museums and cultural venues, Ara Pacis, Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Braschi, Centrale Montemartini and Villa Torlonia, alongside talks, DJ sets, electronic music takeovers, theatre performances and monologues.

Many civic museums and the temporary exhibitions they host are free to visit throughout the day, along with major venues such as Palazzo Esposizioni, the Mattatoio and MACRO. A few flagship exhibitions are available with reduced admission, and some experiences require advance online booking (including Circo Maximo Experience, Villa Torlonia’s Bunker visits and Planetarium shows).

Several archaeological areas are also open, while curator-led visits and guided tours by the Sovrintendenza Capitolina offer deeper insights into exhibitions and collections, including special walkthroughs at the Capitoline Museums, Ara Pacis, GAM and Palazzo Braschi.

All information is available at , 060608 (daily from 9am to 7pm) or on social profiles #romacapodarte2026

ROMA CAPODARTE: ROME NEW YEAR DAY 2026

1 January 2025

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