Travel bucket list idea:
MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts)
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Courtesy Fondazione MAXXI. Photo Francesco Radino
Last updated: 07 April, 2024
Rome’s astonishing MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) is a jewel of contemporary art and architecture, the museum opened to rave reviews in 2010. Designed by star Anglo-Iranian architect Zaha Hadid, the Stirling Prize-winning building strikes a dramatically modern note against the ancient Roman skyline.
The interior, with volumes designed for major three-dimensional works (Hadid declared no paintings should hang on its walls) doesn’t disappoint either, with works by the likes of Alighiero Boetti, Francesco Clemente, William Kentridge, Mario Merz and Gerhard Richter.
While you’re there
Have a drink or a superb, reasonably priced brunch or lunch in the cool, black-and-white MAXXI21 cafe-restaurant. It’s set in a renovated building facing the museum with a courtyard for dining al fresco.
Logistics
Price from: £10
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
MAXXI is located 20 minutes north of central Rome: catch the metro (line A) to Flaminio and tram 2 from there to the Apollodoro stop.
It’s part of the Roma Pass circuit, or you can buy tickets online from the museum’s website. The website also has a useful downloadable map.
Official guided tours are available for individuals and groups and must be booked ahead https://www.maxxi.art/en/visite-guidate/. Free audio guides in English are available at the information desk.
When to do it
The gallery is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday.
Come around noon when everyone’s off having lunch, or on Saturday nights when the museum stays open until 10pm.
