Mr. Graves has a particular fondness for all things Italian, developed during the two years he lived in Rome after winning the 1960 Prix de Rome, a prestigious art scholarship awarded to architects, artists and musicians.

WSJ: Michael Graves, Drinking Wine With Lettie Teague

Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney have all been confirmed to host the free outdoor events.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Hosted by the French ambassador, the Duc de Nivernais, in one of Rome's more flamboyant palaces, Palazzo Farnese (which is still the French embassy today), these extravagant occasions celebrated the long-awaited birth of the French Dauphin's first son.

ECONOMIST: Our books and arts editor at a market for masterpieces

Rome, Miami, Beijing and Rio de Janeiro are also among the eight cities so far named as sites for races in 2014.

BBC: London to host Formula E electric car race in 2014