Divina d’Acciaio. La statua ritratto di Maria Callas

From 24 September to 15 November 2026, the Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture is hosting a monumental work by Greek artist Nikos Floros, dedicated to the 20th century's greatest opera singer.

The evocative sculpture, crafted from stainless steel, takes its inspiration from the unforgettable voice of the celebrated soprano, when, in August 1960, the ‘Divina’ performed Vincenzo Bellini’s Casta Diva at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, one of the iconic sites of the Greek theatrical tradition.

The singer is depicted in an antique-style drapery – recalling figures from classical art, suggesting an ideal connection with the Caryatids, the Korai, and other female representations of the Hellenic tradition – whilst holding in the palm of one hand the sonogram of her own voice in the notes of the aria from Norma.

Floros’s Divina d’Acciaio celebrates the artist and preserves her memory, entrusting both her image and her voice — by nature intangible and fleeting — to a contemporary material that perpetuates her legacy over time.

The initiative is promoted by Roma Capitale, the Assessorato alla Cultura e al Coordinamento delle iniziative riconducibili alla Giornata della Memoria  (Department of Culture and Coordination of initiatives related to Holocaust Remembrance Day), and Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali (Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage), and organised by N.F. Art Company, curated by Nikos Floros, with Nicoletta Capasso as co-curator. Museum services: Zètema Progetto Cultura.