Istituto Svedese di Studi Classici

Surrounded by greenery in Valle Giulia, the Swedish Institute of Classical Studies stands on Via Omero, between the Danish Academy and the Royal Netherlands Institute, forming, with them, a refined Nordic cultural hub.

The prestigious private foundation, funded by the Ministry of Education, focuses on research and academic teaching in classical archaeology, classical philology, history of art and architecture, and literary and cultural history. It offers courses in classical studies, awards scholarships, organizes international events, and fosters active academic dialogue.

From the far north to the Eternal City: a century of studies, culture, and research

The institute, founded in the mid-1920s on the initiative of Gustav Adolf, future king of Sweden, began its cultural mission in 1926, launching a course in classical archaeology at its first seat of Via del Boschetto in the Rione Monti, followed in 1928 by a residence in Palazzo Brancaccio. The current headquarters in Via Omero dates back to the end of the 1930s (1939), thanks to an agreement between the two countries, according to which Italy would obtain an area to build the Italian Cultural Institute in Stockholm in exchange for a lot in Valle Giulia.

Architecture, mission, identity: Nordic inspiration in the heart of Rome

Located next to the beautiful Villa Borghese, the Swedish Institute of Classical Studies building was realised between 1938 and 1940 to the design of the renowned architect Ivar Tengbom, with the aim of reflecting the simple, modern, and elegant lines of Swedish architecture. The furnishings, equally in line with the Swedish style, were selected by a committee chaired by Prince Eugen, who, for the occasion, created and donated a copy of his painting La Nuvola (The Cloud), now displayed in the Conference Room, to the institute. In the courtyard is Solglitter (Sunshine), a sculpture by Carl Milles, donated by his wife Olga in 1956.

The prestigious library focuses on classical archaeology, Mediterranean topography, Etruscology, ancient history and art history, protohistory, classical philology, history of art and architecture, restoration and preservation of cultural heritage, with a section dedicated to Swedish archaeology, art, history, and literature. It keeps about 70,000 volumes and 200 current periodicals, including the Bildt, Hernmarck, Yarden, and Hartmann Collections.

The institute also features an archaeological laboratory, residential accommodation for scholars and researchers, a guesthouse designed by architect Anders Tengbom, built in 1964, and an auditorium realised between 1987 and 1988 during the renovation works by Bo Myrenberg.

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