Romaeuropa Festival 2025 – Italy

Background & History

Founded in 1986, the Romaeuropa Festival has grown into one of Europe’s premier multidisciplinary arts festivals, transforming Rome into a global stage for contemporary creativity. Initiated by Jean-Marie Drot and Monique Veaute, with support from Giovanni Pieraccini, the festival was born with a vision to bridge cultural heritage with innovative artistic expression.

Over its 40 years, it has evolved from a niche event into a celebrated international platform, hosting over 700 artists in its 2025 edition and showcasing a blend of music, dance, theatre, digital arts, and family-oriented performances. Its commitment to fostering dialogue between generations and cultures has made it a cultural cornerstone in Rome, supported by collaborations with institutions like Villa Medici, Teatro dell’Opera, and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

Event Highlights

• Opening Gala: The festival kicks off on September 4 with Afanador by Ballet Nacional de España, directed by Marcos Morau, at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, celebrating 160 years of Italy-Spain diplomatic relations with a vibrant flamenco-inspired performance.
• Cine-Concerts: Iconic films like Whiplash (celebrating its 10th anniversary) and La Haine (with live music by Asian Dub Foundation for its 30th anniversary) are reimagined with live orchestral performances.
• ULTRA REF Program: Showcasing emerging artists at Mattatoio, featuring innovative works in music, dance, and digital arts, including performances by Populous, Tarta Relena, and Maria Arnal.
• International Stars: Performances by luminaries like Laurie Anderson, Stefano Bollani with Alessandro Baricco, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and Ryoji Ikeda, alongside companies like Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company and Ballet National de Marseille.
• REF Kids & Family: A dedicated program with shows like Beatles for Babies and Jack e il Fagiolo Magico, designed for young audiences and families.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 4 – November 16, 2025
• Duration: 74 days

Venues & Locations

The festival spans over 11 venues across Rome, each with unique cultural significance. Below are the addresses and details for key locations:

• Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (Teatro Costanzi): Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 7, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. A historic opera house hosting the opening gala and major performances.
• Teatro Argentina: Largo di Torre Argentina, 52, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. A prestigious venue for theatre and music, featuring shows like Nuvolario with Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians.
• Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone: Via Pietro de Coubertin, 30, 00196 Roma RM, Italy. A modern complex with multiple halls, hosting concerts like Kruder & Dorfmeister and John Adams.
• Mattatoio: Piazza Orazio Giustiniani, 4, 00153 Roma RM, Italy. A contemporary arts hub for ULTRA REF and kids’ programming, emphasizing innovation.
• Teatro Vascello: Via Giacinto Carini, 78, 00152 Roma RM, Italy. A venue for experimental theatre and dance, hosting shows like Frankenstein (a love story) by MOTUS.
• Auditorium Conciliazione: Via della Conciliazione, 4, 00193 Roma RM, Italy. Known for large-scale performances like William Forsythe’s Undertainment.
• Teatro Brancaccio: Via Merulana, 244, 00185 Roma RM, Italy. A historic theatre for diverse performances.
• Teatro India: Lungotevere Vittorio Gassman, 1, 00146 Roma RM, Italy. A space for contemporary theatre, hosting shows like Buchettino.
• Villa Medici – Accademia di Francia: Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. A cultural landmark hosting festival events and collaborations.
• MAXXI – Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo: Via Guido Reni, 4A, 00196 Roma RM, Italy. A modern art museum showcasing digital arts and performances.
• Teatro Sala Umberto: Via della Mercede, 50, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. A venue for select festival performances.

Contact Information

• Address: Opificio Romaeuropa, Via dei Magazzini Generali, 20/a, 00154 Roma RM, Italy
• Phone: +39 06 4555 3050 (Tuesday–Friday, 10 AM–1 PM, 2 PM–6 PM)
• WhatsApp: Available for inquiries
• Email: romaeuropa@romaeuropa.net
• Website: romaeuropa.net

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Tickets are available online via Vivaticket (romaeuropa.vivaticket.it) or through the festival’s box office at Via dei Magazzini Generali, 20/a (Monday 2 PM–3 PM, Tuesday–Friday 10 AM–1 PM, 2 PM–5 PM). Additional ticket outlets include TicketOne and Viagogo for select events.
• Pricing: Ticket prices vary by event and venue. Based on available data, prices range from approximately $16.50 (€15) for budget-friendly shows to $182 (€165) for premium performances like La Diva del Bataclan. Expect $50–$110 for mid-range seating at venues like Auditorium Parco della Musica (e.g., $50 for Galleria seats, $60 for Platea).
• Special Offers: A 25% discount is available for those under 35 through Informagiovani Roma with a valid ID. VIP or premium seating options may be available for major shows, though specific details are not centralized.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair seating is managed directly by the promoter; contact romaeuropa@romaeuropa.net for details.

Cultural Experience

Romaeuropa Festival is a celebration of contemporary arts, blending European and global traditions with cutting-edge innovation. Visitors can expect a rich tapestry of performances, from flamenco-inspired dance by Ballet Nacional de España to experimental music by Laurie Anderson and Kruder & Dorfmeister. The festival emphasizes cross-cultural dialogue, with special focuses on Iberian and Flemish scenes, supported by institutions like Instituto Cervantes and Flanders State of the Art. Traditional and modern costumes, avant-garde theatre, and live music create an immersive experience, while ULTRA REF at Mattatoio showcases emerging artists pushing artistic boundaries. The festival’s commitment to accessibility includes Italian Sign Language (LIS) content, making it inclusive for diverse audiences.

Food & Drinks

While the festival itself does not host dedicated food events, Rome’s vibrant culinary scene complements the experience. Nearby venues like Teatro dell’Opera and Auditorium Parco della Musica are surrounded by restaurants offering Roman specialties:

• Cacio e Pepe: A classic Roman pasta dish with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
• Carbonara: Authentic Roman carbonara with guanciale, eggs, and pecorino.
• Supplì: Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, a popular street food.
• Gelato: Try artisanal gelato from nearby gelaterias like Gelateria del Teatro (near Teatro Argentina).
• Aperitivo: Many bars near MAXXI or Villa Medici offer pre-show aperitivi with drinks like Aperol Spritz and small bites. Visitors can explore local trattorias or food markets like Testaccio Market near Mattatoio for authentic Roman cuisine.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: The REF Kids & Family program, curated by Stefania Lo Giudice, offers engaging shows like Beatles for Babies and Jack e il Fagiolo Magico at Mattatoio, designed for young audiences. Workshops, circus performances, and interactive installations at La Pelanda make it ideal for families.
• Accessibility: The festival partners with APS Io Se Posso Komunico to provide Italian Sign Language (LIS) content for select events, enhancing inclusivity. Venues like Auditorium Parco della Musica offer wheelchair access, though specifics vary by location. Contact the organizer for detailed accessibility information.

Getting There

• By Air: Rome’s main airports are Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), 30 km from the city center, and Ciampino Airport (CIA), 15 km away. FCO offers direct trains (Leonardo Express, $15.40, 32 min) to Roma Termini station.
• Public Transport: Rome’s metro (Lines A and B), trams, and buses connect key venues. For example, Auditorium Parco della Musica is accessible via Tram 2 or Bus 910 from Termini. Teatro dell’Opera is near Cavour metro station (Line B). ATAC tickets cost $1.65 for 100 minutes.
• By Car: Parking is available at venues like Auditorium Parco della Musica (Via Pietro de Coubertin, 30) and Mattatoio (Piazza Orazio Giustiniani, 4), but spaces are limited. Central venues like Teatro Argentina may require street parking or nearby garages.
• On Foot: Venues like Teatro Argentina and Villa Medici are within walking distance of central Rome landmarks like Piazza Navona or the Spanish Steps.

Program Overview

The 2025 Romaeuropa Festival features 110 events and 250 performances across genres:

• Dance: Highlights include Afanador (Ballet Nacional de España), Undertainment (William Forsythe), and Borda (Lia Rodrigues).
• Music: Concerts by Laurie Anderson, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and John Adams, plus cine-concerts like Whiplash and La Haine.
• Theatre: Productions like Frankenstein (a love story) by MOTUS and La Lettre by Milo Rau.
• Digital Arts: ULTRA REF at Mattatoio features innovative works like San Damiano Live and City Noise.
• Kids’ Programming: Shows like Beatles for Babies and Ma Solitud cater to young audiences.

Notable Collaborations

The festival collaborates with prestigious institutions, enhancing its cultural scope:

• Iberian Focus: In partnership with Instituto Cervantes and the Spanish Embassy, celebrating 160 years of Italy-Spain relations.
• Flemish Scene: A triennial partnership with Flanders State of the Art, featuring artists like Jan Martens and Miet Warlop.
• Local Institutions: Collaborations with Teatro dell’Opera, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, and MAXXI ensure a rich, integrated program.