Open Studios - British School at Rome

The British School at Rome Open Studios

Nestled in the greenery of Valle Giulia, right next to Villa Borghese and a short walk from the National Gallery of Modern Art, the British School at Rome (BSR) is a prestigious British research institute dedicated to the arts, archaeology, history, and the study of Rome. Housed in an elegant building designed by Edwin Lutyens, the institute hosts an international community of artists in residence every year. The Open Studios are the moments when these usually private workspaces open to the public: a unique opportunity to step directly into the creative process and engage in dialogue with the artists.

A cultural landmark in the heart of Rome

The event takes place in Rome, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region. The location at Via Antonio Gramsci 61, in the Flaminio district, places the Open Studios in one of the capital's most culturally rich areas, surrounded by foreign academies, museums, and gardens. The format is simple and welcoming: on scheduled days, artists remain in their studios to showcase works in progress and discuss the research conducted during their residency.

Artists from around the globe

BSR scholarships support creators selected primarily from the UK, but also from Australia and Canada, through an extensive system of fellowships and scholarships: from the Abbey Fellowship to the Sainsbury Scholarship, and from the Bridget Riley Fellowship to residencies linked to Australian academies and Québec. This results in a diverse landscape of practices: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video, large-scale drawing, and live performance. The Open Studios allow visitors to follow this work as it evolves, long before it becomes a finished piece.

Multiple editions throughout the year

The Open Studios are held several times a year, with spring and summer sessions (sometimes joined by winter editions) and the traditional end-of-residency group exhibition. Each edition features a different group of artists and themes, ensuring that the experience is always fresh and reflects the cycle of residencies throughout the season.

Why it's worth visiting

• Free admission, usually with no booking required.
• Direct contact with artists and their studio practice.
• A window into international contemporary art in Rome.
• An exceptional setting between Valle Giulia and Villa Borghese.

For those who love contemporary art and artistic research, the British School at Rome's Open Studios offer an authentic way to discover the creative scene thriving in the capital of Lazio, far from the more conventional exhibition circuits.