One of the most iconic artefacts of Etruscan civilisation is coming to the United States for the first time: the famous Piacenza Liver is one of the highlights of the international exhibition “The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy”, hosted at the Legion of Honour Museum and running from 2 May to 20 September 2026.
The exhibition is one of the most significant global cultural events dedicated to Etruscan civilisation, attracting scholars, enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world.
At the heart of the exhibition stands the Liver of Piacenza, a unique artefact of its kind, on loan from the Civic Museums of Palazzo Farnese.
A unique artefact in the world
Created over two thousand years ago, the Liver of Piacenza is considered a key artefact for the study of Etruscan religion and divination practices. It is a bronze model of a sheep’s liver used by the haruspices to interpret divine omens, making it an extraordinary testimony to the relationship between humanity and the sacred in antiquity.
Discovered in 1877, the artefact had never left Piacenza until now, consolidating over time its role as a symbol of the city’s identity.
An exceptional transfer
The transfer, which has been in San Francisco since 24 April, was personally overseen by the director of the Civic Museums of Palazzo Farnese, Antonio Iommelli, who managed every stage of the transport with extraordinary security measures.
This initiative underscores the exceptional nature of the loan and the historical and cultural value of the artefact, which today serves as an ambassador for Etruscan tradition and Italian heritage around the world. It also helps to strengthen the city’s international relations.