This October, Roman high jewellery brand Bvlgari’s iconic serpenti will slither in Mumbai. The Maison which is celebrating the Year Of The Snake in the Chinese zodiac cycle is set to debut the Serpenti Infinito exhibition in India, after two successful editions in Shanghai and Seoul held this year. What awaits is a multi-sensory showcase at Art House at Neeta Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre(NMACC) from October 1-17 exploring Bvlgari’s most iconic symbol — the Serpenti — a universal symbol that transcends time, space, cultures, and continues to instill creative inspiration in the artistic world.
The exhibition, curated by art gallery Nature Morte founded by Peter Nagy and Aparajita Jain and envisioned by artistic director Sean Anderson, will feature works of renowned Indian and international artists who will draw from Serpentis creative influence, and cultural significance.
The exhibition is structured in three parts; the historical significance of the serpent, its contemporary interpretation and its transformative power. Each section will provide visitors to explore this mystical creature across artistic forms and practices. Beyond art, visitors will also be captivated by Bvlgari’s archival masterpieces from high jewellery creations, to luxe Serpenti timepieces, offering a rare glimpse of the Maison’s craftsmanship and innovation.
Commenting on the decision to host the third edition of Serpenti Infinito in India, Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari says, “India has always been a profound source of inspiration for Bvlgari, thanks to its rich history, exceptional craftsmanship, and deep cultural heritage. The decision to bring Serpenti Infinito to Mumbai is more than just a launch, it’s a meaningful celebration of the dialogue between our timeless Roman roots and India’s vibrant artistic traditions. This journey not only reinforces Serpenti as an emblematic symbol of Bvlgari’s identity but also elevates it as a universal icon of continuous reinvention, creativity, and enduring elegance.”
India too has long revered the serpent — the Naga — as a emblem of divinity, protection, and eternal wisdom. To bring the Serpenti Infinito exhibition to India is to illuminate these shared legacies, where the serpent has slithered through the sacred texts, mythological tales, and cultural memory of many ancient civilizations. In doing so, the showcase not only highlights the universal power of the motif but also decodes the serpent through the lens of design, and art. “Organising Serpenti Infinito in India has been an extraordinary opportunity to bring together diverse artistic voices in dialogue with one of the most enduring symbols in global design history,” says Aparajita Jain, Co-Director, Nature Morte. “The exhibition presents a rich tapestry of perspectives: traditional and contemporary, Indian and international, that together honour the spirit of Bvlgari’s Serpenti Collection while reimagining it for a new context.”
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Founded in 1884, Bvlgari has embraced the serpent since 1948, choosing it as its enduring signature for the way it embodies the spirit of renewal, transformation, and a magnetic charisma. Over the decades, the Serpenti has become synonymous with the Maison’s creativity, coiling its way into dazzling jewels and timepieces from sinuous necklaces and bracelets to rings, earrings, and watches.
As this year marks the 75th anniversary of Serpenti, the brand conceived the idea for Serpenti Infinito with editions across the globe. The journey began in Shanghai (January 8 – February 16), where 28 artworks by 19 Chinese and international artists reimagined the serpent, including a monumental sculpture by American-Turkish artist Rafik Anadol that gave visitors the surreal sensation of entering a snake pit. The celebrations then moved to Seoul in April, showcasing 15 artworks by 11 international and Korean artists alongside immersive zones such as the Serpent Scrapbook, which traced the creature’s rich cultural legacy.
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With such intriguing showcases setting the tone, the Mumbai chapter is expected to add another page on Serpenti’s timeless iconography.
