The “Sala delle Bandiere” (Hall of Flags), unique in Italy and the jewel in the crown of Palazzo della Farnesina, is opening to the public. It contains the biggest collection of international flags held by any Italian government body.
Hundreds of flags (over 600 and 400 for interior and exterior use respectively, and over 200 each in the case of table and car flags) embellish and decorate the rooms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during events and institutional meetings organised by the Diplomatic Protocol department. They are lent out, on request, to other institutions who require them for official meetings of an international nature, notably the Presidency of the Republic, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministries of the Republic.
Flags play a vital role on all of these occasions: they are powerful symbols of identity and culture, and of ideals. As the video created by Diplomatic Protocol to illustrate this exceptional initiative explains, “This room houses the collection harmoniously: a representation of the Farnesina’s mission in the world”.
Members of the public will be able to visit the Sala delle Bandiere as part of the Touring club Italiano’s “Aperti per voi” initiatives, in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been participating since 2016. Visitors can choose from five different tours, with access to the Crisis Unit and various floors of the Farnesina building hosting works by leading 20th century artists. These include works from the 1980s and ‘90s, prints and illustrations of street art, and a gallery of photographs and photo-journalism.
All visitors must book in advance. More information is available on the Farnesina Collection website.
