I Vetri di Rome (The Glass of Rome) is an exhibition taking place in the Curia Iulia inside the Roman Forum.
The exhibition was inaugurated on February 21 2012 and will last until September 16 of the same year.
As the title of the exhibition indicates, its focus is on glass and its use in Roman art (pottery, jewelry and mosaics) from the 6th century BC onwards.
Thanks to Roman conquests in the east (Pompey in the Orient and Octavian in Egypt) not only raw materials and finished products were imported into Italy, but skilled craftsmen were also, voluntarily or not, recruited into the capital of the Empire.
On display are around 300 pieces that are organized in chronological order and showcase various techniques and uses .
There are beautiful monochrome vases and others of many colors, there are bottles and jugs, plates and cups, as well as bigger wine jars and trays for serving food.
In the first century the invention of the glass-blowing technique gave rise to the production of new ornaments and utensils.
The exhibition closes with the a scepter crowned with molten glass globes. This was found along the slopes of the Palatine Hill and symbolized the universal power of Rome.
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The exhibition The Glass of Rome will last until September 16 2012. The Forum Romanum is open from 8.30 AM until 1 hour before sunset and admission is 12 Euros (7,50 Euros concessions). With this ticket the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill can be visited as well. The Roma Pass is valid. For information call +39 06.39967700. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo (line B).
