National Museum of 21st-Century Art (MAXXI)
Via Guido Reni 4A, Rome, Italy, 00196
When you think of Rome, the first artists that come to mind might be baroque painters like Carravagio or Renaissance masters like Michelangelo. But, since 2009, the Italian capital has also been home to an acclaimed collection of contemporary art in a slick building designed by the architect Zaha Hadid. Temporary exhibits at the National Museum of 21st-Century Art (MAXXI) often rotate, but whatever is on display, you can bet it will be worth seeing.
The Basics
The National Museum of 21st-Century Art (Museo Nazionale Delle Arti del XXI Secolo) has a large permanent collection of paintings, installations, video art, and photography dating from 1970 to today, and also holds temporary exhibitions highlighting artists from around the globe. Given its location on the outskirts of the city center, tourists often overlook MAXXI, offering art buffs the chance to stroll its dynamic 300-foot-long (90-meter) galleries at leisure and admire architect Zaha Hadid’s maze-like structure featuring soaring open spaces and skylights.
MAXXI is often a photo stop on Rome architecture tours, and you can peek at its spacious galleries inside to fully appreciate the building’s beauty.
Things to Know Before You Go
MAXXI is wonderful for fans of contemporary and modern art.
The museum has a restaurant and a café open for meals and snacks, and a bookstore.
Large bags and backpacks must be left in the cloakroom.
Photography is not allowed in the galleries.
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
MAXXI is located on Via Guido Reni 4a in Rome’s Flaminio neighborhood. Take metro line A to Piazzale Flaminio, where you board the line 2 tram to Apollodoro. If arriving by bus, lines 168 and 910 take you to the Reni/Flaminia stop, just a 5-minute walk from the museum, or take line 53 to De Coubertin/Palazzetto dello Sport.
When to Get There
The museum is open 11am to 7pm Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours (until 10pm) on Thursday; it is closed on Monday, Christmas, and May 1. A bit north of the center of Rome, MAXXI is never as crowded as the city’s more famous museums, and serves as a welcome respite from the crush of tourists in the summer months.
Zaha Hadid
The late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and is known for her curving, organic-shaped buildings. MAXXI took about 10 years to complete and is considered among Hadid’s finest works.
Ways to explore
Allow 1–2 hours for a visit to MAXXI. If you’re lucky, you may have the collection all to yourself. Most visitors in Rome rush to the Vatican Museums or the Capitoline Museum, leaving MAXXI mercifully off the tourist track. That means you won’t find it included on most Rome itineraries for guided tours; the majority of travelers who make it to MAXXI visit independently. However, the museum can offer guided tours (for both individuals and groups) if arranged at least a week in advance. You may also be able to schedule a visit during a private, customizable tour of Rome.
Accessibility
MAXXI is accessible to wheelchair users, and you can borrow a wheelchair at the cloakroom.
Age limits
None (kids and teens 18 and under enter for free)
What to pack
Nothing too bulky, as large bags and umbrellas must be checked in the cloakroom (free of charge)
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, as there’s minimal seating within the galleries
Not allowed
Smoking, eating or drinking in the galleries, taking pictures or videos of the artworks
Amenities
Café, restaurant, bookshop
Address
MAXXI is located in the northwest part of Rome, just outside the city center. It may seem a little off the beaten track, but it is easily reached by car, bus, or tram.
Driving
While it is possible to reach MAXXI by car, driving yourself in Rome isn’t recommended unless you know the city well. Instead, take a taxi or rideshare directly to the museum.
Public transportation
Take the Metro to Flaminio on Line A (next to Piazza del Popolo), then transfer to Tram 2. Disembark at Apollodoro and walk to the museum. MAXXI is also reachable by bus lines 53, 168, 280, and 910.
Best times to visit
Mornings are the quietest times at MAXXI, although the museum rarely gets crowded.
Best days to visit
Visit Tuesday through Friday to have MAXXI more or less to yourself; the museum is closed on Monday.
Best months to visit
You’ll find the fewest crowds in Rome just after Christmas and the carnevale season in February. Visiting MAXXI makes for a great rainy-day activity.
Special events
MAXXI hosts talks and workshops year-round. In summer, the museum also stages concerts and other performances.
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