The Council of Ministers Meeting Room

This room has been used to hold meetings of the Council of Ministers [the Italian cabinet] since March 1961, when Palazzo Chigi became seat of the Italian Government. 

Unlike the Palace’s other rooms, the ceiling here is decorated with wooden beams, as if to reflect the seriousness of the decisions made during Council of Ministers meetings. A frieze decorated by Austrian painter Johann Paul Schor in 1665 runs underneath the ceiling, featuring trompe l'oeil arches that frame the heads and shoulders of various mythological figures against a woodland background.

Two large tapestries by Flemish weaver Jan Leyniers adorn the walls. These were purchased by the Chigi family in 1668 and depict episodes from the life of Alexander the Great.

This room is also home to an intricately carved white marble fireplace that dates back to the end of the 18th century , featuring three alabaster medallions and gilded bronze figures. Antique wooden chancel chairs in 16th century style complete the furnishings.

The round table in the centre replaced the rectangular one from the Viminale Palace (current home of the Ministry of the Interior) that was used for the first Council of Ministers meetings.

This room overlooks the central balcony of the façade facing  Largo Chigi, and corresponds to the sitting room in the original Aldobrandini Palace.