The opening to the public of the collections in the restored halls. Palazzo Altemps wich takes its name from the cardinalatial family wich became its owners in 1568 now houses one of the major collections of antique sculpture . An important display of masterpieces. The first restored building in the Park of Villa Torlonia.
Today is a museum of Roman eclecticism from both an architectural and a decorative point of view.
A Roman fresco, probably dating from the time of Nero, came tolight during excavations under the Baths of Trajan, onthe Colle Oppio. The colors of the fresco are in remarkably good condition. Ablue river is depicted flowing beside yellowish town walls,fortified with towers. Statues, all but one apparently of gildedbronze, stand here and there. Art critics are wondering if the fresco was seen in theRenaissance by Masolino da Panicale, who decorated the Chapel ofSt.