It’s true, modern art exists in Italy. Italy is more well-known for its Renaissance and Medieval art than it is for modern art. However, there’s an active contemporary and modern art scene in Italy, with hundreds of contemporary and international artists represented in galleries and museums.
Are you a modern art lover? These are our top picks for museums that exhibit contemporary and modern art in Italy.
Matera: Museo della Scultura Contemporanea (MUSMA)
MUSMA is dedicated solely to sculptures made after the turn of the 20th century. It also contains a variety of three-dimensional art, including jewelry and manuscripts.
Hours and place: Tuesdays. to Sun. 10am to 2pm, from April to October, to Tues. to Sunday. 10am to 2pm (November through March). Located at Via San Giacomo (Sasso Caveoso), Matera. Ticket price: 5 euro, 3.50 euro reduced. Call +39.366.9357768 for more information
Bologna: Museo d’Arte Moderna (MAMBO)
The permanent collection of the museum begins with works that reflect the political and socio-economic state of Italy in 1960s Italy and ends with new acquisitions. The adjacent gallery houses a museum dedicated to Giorgio Morandi.
Hours and address: Tuesday, Wed., and Fri. 12pm-6pm, Thurs., Sat. Sun. 12pm-8pm Via Don Minzoni 14 Bologna Tickets priced at6 euros, with a 4 euro reduction for admission. For more info: www.mambo-bologna.org or call +39.051.6496611.
Rome: Museo d’Arte Contemporanea (MACRO)
The permanent collection of MACRO includes the works of some of Italy’s most prominent artists over the past 60 years. Many exhibits are also based on photography, experimental art, and especially international artists.
Hours and address: Tuesdays., Wed.s. Fri., Sun. Sat. 11am-7pm 11am to 7pm, Sat. Located at Via Nizza, 138. Tickets:12.50 Euro, 10.50 Euro reduced admission. Call +39.06.671070400 for more information
Rome: Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo (MAXXI)
This ultra-modern structure was built by Zaha Hadid in 2010, and is a laboratory for architecture, photography, and art. The piazza hosts outdoor events and exhibitions.
Hours and address: Tuesdays., Wed.s. Fri., Sun. Sat. 11am-7pm 11am to 7pm, Sat. Via Guido Reni 4A. Tickets priced at11 Euro, 8 Euro reduced admission. For more info: www.fondazionemaxxi.it or call +39.06.3201954.
Vatican City: Collezione d’Arte Religiosa Moderna
The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are open to all visitors.
Hours and place: Mon. Mon. 9am-6pm Viale Vaticano 100. Tickets priced at15 Euro, 8 Euro reduced admission. For more info: www.museionline.info/tipologia/item/collezione-d-arte-religiosa-moderna.html or call +39.06.69884947.
Rome: Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna (GNAM)
Despite its classical façade, GNAM Italy’s national museum of modern art is actually located inside the museum. The vast collection can be divided into two parts: the 19th Century, which traces the unification of Italy, and the 20th Century, which celebrates contemporary art.
Hours and place: Tuesdays. to Sun. 8:30am to 7:30pm Located at Viale delle Belle Arti, 131. Tickets Price:8 Euro, 4 Euro Reduced Admission. For more info: www.gnam.arti.beniculturali.it or call +39.06.322981.
Milan: Museo del Novecento
The newly built “Museum of the 20th Century in Milan” houses one of the most important collections of contemporary art in the country, including artists such as Modigliani, Picasso, and also offers a breathtaking view of Piazza Duomo that overlooks the cathedral.
Hours and address: Mon. Tues. to Sun., 2:30pm to 7:15pm Wed., Fri., and Sun. Thurs., 9:30am to 7:15pm Sat. From 9:30am to 10:30pm Via Marconi 1. Tickets:5 euros, 3 euros reduced admission. For more info: www.museodelnovecento.org or call +39.02.724341.
Milan: Triennale di Milano
The stylish museum of design and contemporary art in Milan’s Parco Sempione has a continually changing selection of exhibits. Some even offer free admission.
Hours and address: Mon., Tues.., Wed.., Fri., and Sun. Thurs. 10:30am to 8:30pm 10:00am to 11:00pm Viale Alemagna 6. Ticket price: 10 euro for an all-access ticket, 8 euro per exhibit. For more info: www.triennale.org or call +39.02.43353522.
Turin: Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM)
The collection of Italy’s oldest modern art, established at the end 1800s, houses iconic modern artists such as Warhol, Fontana, Klee and Fontana.
Hours and place: Tuesdays. to Sun. Thurs., 10am-6pm 10:30 am to 11 pm Via Magenta 31. Tickets Price:10 Euro, 8 Euro Reduced Admission. Call +39.0114429518 for more information
Florence: Strozzina Centro di Cultura Contemporanea (CCC)
The Strozzina is a part of the Palazzo Strozzi Museum. It was established to make Florence more accessible to contemporary art exhibitions.
Hours , and location:Tues. Sun. 10am-8pm. Piazza Strozzi in Florence. 5 Euro, 4 Euro reduced admission. Every Thursday, free admission from 6 to 11 pm. Call +39.055391711 for more information.
Bolzano: Museion
This super-modern structure is hidden away in the Dolomite Mountains and houses over 4500 works of artwork. It also doubles as a hotel for designers and artists.
Hours and Location:Tues. Sun. 10am to 6pm Via Dante 6, Tickets Price:6 Euro, 3.50 Euro Reduced Admission. Free admission every Thursday from 6-10pm. Call +39.0471223412 for more information.
Venice: Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Guggenheim Residence was home to the private art collection of the Guggenheim heiress. This museum is located on Venice’s Grand Canal. It’s now open year round and offers a wide range of American and Italian art as well as futurist pieces.
Hours and Location: Mon.-Wed., Thurs.-Sat. Sun. 10am-6pm Located at Palazzo Venier dei Leoni Dorsoduro 701. Ticket price: 14 euro, 12 euro reduced admission. For more info: www.guggenheim-venice.it or call +39.0412405411.
