The Bulgari Hotel Roma, located at Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 10, was opened. The new hotel, which became a landmark event on the Rome hotel scene, offered the relaxed elegance of 114 luxurious rooms and suites. Designed by the Milan-based architectural studio ACPV Antonio Citterrio Patricia Viel, responsible for the signature look of all nine Bulgari Hotels and Resorts worldwide, the hotel’s public spaces and rooms were a testament to their expertise. The Studio Polis of Rome, led by architect Gennaro Farina, curated the design and supervised the restoration works of the building and its decorative apparatus, as well as contributing to the urban planning.
Last night, Bulgari unveiled its ninth and newest property to a selected audience, treating them to an array of spectacles, including live music, dance performances, exceptional cuisine, and a majestic drone show. The preview, attended by 600 carefully chosen guests, included Bulgari brand ambassadors and prominent figures who added a touch of celebrity sparkle to the event. Famed actresses and Bulgari brand ambassadors Zendaya and Priyanka Chopra Jonas were present, and on this special occasion, they adorned themselves with a star piece from the Monete collection called Augustus Emerald Monete Sautoir. This sautoir showcased the Roman Jeweller’s unparalleled mastery with precious gemstones, featuring over 600 carats of emerald beads and an octagonal pendant flaunting a bronze Roman coin from 14-37 A.D. with the profile of Emperor Tiberius Augustus.
The celebrations commenced with Bulgari Group CEO Jean-Christophe Babin hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of an original 1 B.C. statue made of Pentelic marble, depicting a seated Augustus covered with a cloak and displaying the traditional attributes of Juniper, welcoming the guests at the hotel entrance. This Roman sculpture, part of the quinquennial exhibition in the Vestibolo space of the five Torlonia Collections’ works, had recently undergone study and restoration conducted by the Torlonia Foundation with the contribution of Bulgari.
As guests embarked on a discovery journey of the hotel, they were enthralled by live music performances and an exhibition showcasing vintage Bulgari pieces. Notable items included a platinum necklace adorned with emeralds and diamonds dating back to 1962, formerly owned by Elizabeth Taylor. The evening was complete with a star-studded red carpet.
The ground floor of the hotel came alive with evening entertainment, as the party live band The Shakes set the stage with their vibrant performances. Chef Niko Romito curated a signature menu of small bites, featuring delectable dishes such as Vitello Tonnato, Pappa al Pomodoro, and Tortelli with scampi and tarragon.
The guests also enjoyed bespoke visits to a selection of the hotel’s signature spaces, which included the sumptuous 300 sqm Bulgari Suite, the luxurious Spa, and the iconic Bulgari Bar and La Terrazza on the 7th floor, offering breathtaking views of the city.
As the evening transitioned into night, the celebrations shifted to the 5th floor. Italian musician and composer Saturnino kept the energy alive on the outdoor terrace of Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, which was beautifully illuminated for the occasion. Guests marveled at the stunning views of the Mausoleum of Augustus in front of the hotel building.
The event centered around the rich Roman and Bulgari heritage. A spectacular show featuring 200 drones captivated the audience, as a long-distance light performance illuminated the sky above the hotel, leaving an indelible mark visible from every part of the establishment and beyond.
Following the show, renowned singer Alessandro Ristori took the stage, showcasing the best songs from his repertoire. He combined international hits with iconic Italian successes like “Come prima piu di Prima” and “Pensiero Stupendo.”
The imposing building that housed the hotel, spanning an impressive 14,000 square meters over seven floors (including one below ground), served as a remarkable example of rationalist architecture. Designed by architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo and constructed between 1936 and 1938, it was initially inaugurated in 1950 by Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi as the headquarters of the INPS, the Italian Social Security Agency. This historic location held immense symbolic value, positioned in front of the Mausoleum of Augustus, a circular tomb from the 1st century, and the Ara Pacis, an altar commemorating the era of peace established by the emperor, known as the Pax Romana. The Ara Pacis is now housed in the Richard Meier-designed Ara Pacis Museum.
The Bulgari Hotel Roma forged a connection between its vision and the historical significance of Emperor Augustus through the inclusion of the Statue of seated Augustus—an original Roman sculpture made of Pentelic marble—from the Torlonia Collection. Placed at the center of the entrance vestibule, this statue marked the first in a series of five statues, all of which were restored with the sponsorship of Bulgari and were set to rotate in the exhibition.
The hotel boasted a total of 114 rooms, including numerous suites. These accommodations were adorned in four distinct color palettes—white, yellow, red, and green—and each provided splendid views either overlooking Piazza Augusto Imperatore or onto Via della Frezza, a charming Roman street. Positioned on the third floor, the Bulgari Suite spanned an expansive 300 square meters and offered a breathtaking panorama of the Mausoleum of Augustus.
