American Academy in Rome fetes centenary with exhibit

Illustrious residents include Aaron Copeland, Elliott Carter

(ANSA) - Rome, May 21 - The American Academy in Rome celebrated the 100th anniversary of its famous headquarters on Wednesday with the unveiling of an exhibition devoted to its building's designers. Building an Idea: McKim, Mead & White and the American Academy in Rome, 1914-2014 looks at the residential palazzo's design, construction and early critical reception, as well as the legendary architectural firm behind it, through drawings, plans, photographs and other archival material. Founded in 1894, the American Academy rented space for years in other villas before moving into its current space on the Gianicolo, Rome's highest hill overlooking the city center and the Vatican. In its illustrious history, the Academy has hosted resident US scholars and artists who have won the Rome Prize, including composers Aaron Copland and Elliott Carter.