From 15 July to 5 September 2025, the Italian Cultural Institute of London will host THE ANCIENT MOSAICS OF RAVENNA – The collection of the copies.
It is an exhibition of copies of the ancient mosaics of Ravenna, on a scale of 1:1, realised in the 1950s by the master mosaicists, who had previously restored the original works that were damaged by World War II.
The copies were created with the aim of travelling around the world to make the beauty of Ravenna’s mosaics visible from very close up. They allow visitors to capture the lines and colour tones of the tesserae, which are capable of refracting light in a multitude of colour plays.
Thanks to this exhibition, visitors are invited on a journey into the golden age of Ravenna, through the beauties of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian and Arian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and the Basilica of San Vitale.
The collection, owned by the Municipality of Ravenna, has been exhibited in many cities around the world (including Berlin, Madrid, Athens and Copenhagen), making a significant contribution to the promotion and valorisation of Ravenna’s mosaic art at international level and establishing Ravenna as the city of mosaics.
Opening: Monday 14 July 6.30 pm
Italian Cultural Institute of London – 39 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NX
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On the occasion of the exhibition, the Italian Cultural Institute of London also hosts a conversation between Judith Herrin, archaeologist and Byzantinist, and Maria Grazia Marini, director of the Tourism Board of the Municipality of Ravenna.
Judith Herrin is a British archaeologist, honorary citizen of Ravenna, recognised as one of the most respected living scholars of Ravenna’s history and art – and certainly one of the most passionate. She is the author of numerous important works on Byzantine and Early Christian topics, which awarded her many prizes.
Her latest book Ravenna. Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe was also read and appreciated by His Majesty King Charles III, who visited Ravenna to admire the mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Ravenna, City of Mosaics – Prof. Judith Herrin in conversation with Maria Grazia Marini
Tuesdat 15 July 6.30 pm
Italian Cultural Institute of London – 39 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NX
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