As the former seat of the Roman Empire, Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world. But there’s more to this city than ancient culture and crumbling ruins. As the capital modernises, an air of change blows through the city, influencing everything from architecture and art to dining and leisure. The art scene, in particular, has welcomed a wealth of contemporary offerings, from internationally acclaimed museums like MAXXI to collective art hubs and creative spaces. On your next visit, make time to see these five great places for modern art in Rome.
MAXXI
2km from Hotel de Russie
When MAXXI (the National Museum of 21st Century Arts), opened in 2010 it was a revolution for modern art in Rome. As well as being Italy’s first national institute dedicated to contemporary arts, it’s also home to the country’s first national museum of architecture, MAXXI Architettura. The institute also houses an art museum, MAXXI Arte. The compelling building, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, is a work of art in itself and a maze of bridges and walkways leads visitors between its unconventional spaces. Visit MAXXI Architettura to discover the wonders of 20th century and modern day Italian architecture or explore cutting-edge interdisciplinary art collections at MAXXI Arte.
MACRO
4km from Hotel de Russie
Often considered the younger, more audacious sister of MAXXI, MACRO (Museo d'Arte Contemporanea) has two locations: MACRO Via Nizza, housed in an old beer factory in the city centre, and MACRO Testaccio, which takes over a former slaughterhouse in the suburbs. Aiming to bring international art to the capital while creating a bridge between the two areas, the museums present boldly curated exhibitions by local and international talents. Since opening, the MACRO museums have become popular meeting places of the city’s creative residents and are essential stops for modern art enthusiasts.
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna
3km from Hotel de Russie
For a taste of Italian art in Rome, visit Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna (National Gallery of Modern Art) – home to one of the largest collections of contemporary Italian art in the world. The museum, which is located at the stunning Villa Borghese, showcases thousands of paintings and sculptures from the last three centuries. Its permanent and temporary exhibitions explore an enormous array of artistic themes, from world and war to light and movement. While for many, the highlights are the works by Italian masters like Umberto Boccioni, Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna also has a dynamic collection of works by some of the international art world’s greatest names, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Jackson Pollock.
Pastificio Cerere
7km from Hotel de Russie
Following the lead of many great modern galleries, Pastificio Cerere has taken a redundant space (a former pasta factory) and transformed it into a place where artistic creativity reigns supreme. Located in the San Lorenzo district, the venue offers up-and-coming artists a blank canvas on which to showcase their work, as well as a residency programme for artists and curators living in Italy. A space that is both dynamic and ever changing, this is where many locals come to see cutting edge modern art in Rome.
Galleria d'Arte Moderna di Roma Capitale
3km from Hotel de Russie
An art tour of Rome isn’t complete without visiting Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Roma Capitale. The museum specialises in modern and contemporary art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and displays over 3,000 pieces by some of the most significant artists of the period. As well as exploring masterpieces by the likes of Giulio Aristide Sartorio, Nino Costa and Onorato Carlandi, enthusiasts can explore entire artistic movements such as Symbolism, Realism, Divisionism and Expressionism.
After a day of exploring the galleries and museums of Rome, relax and reflect at Hotel de Russie in the beautiful secret garden.
Image credits: MAXXI © Fondazione MAXXI, MACRO © Luigi Filetici, Pastificio Cerere © Studio Ottavio Celestino.
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
In 1925, a world still shell-shocked from the ravages of World War I found renewal in a burgeoning artistic movement: Art Deco. It reflected motion, progress, the future. Immediately embraced by famed Belgian architect Victor Horta, he laid the foundations for Art Deco in Brussels with his plans for the Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). This marked the inception of a radically modern approach to architecture and art in the city. Now, as Brussels marks a century of Art Deco style, it’s the perfect time to explore this distinctly walkable city with your own budding artists.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
