Rome's home for contemporary art
The MACRO (Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome) is the city's leading space devoted to the art of our time. Its historic home sits on Via Nizza, in the Salario-Nomentano district, inside a former Peroni brewery that was converted into a museum and later expanded with a striking piece of contemporary architecture. It's a place where research, experimentation and new visual languages come together: a different Rome from the classical one, and a perfect stop for anyone who loves contemporary art, design and architecture.
Unlike a "masterpieces-behind-glass" museum, MACRO is a place of research: the visit revolves around temporary exhibitions, artist projects and the most current visual languages, a refreshing, experimental alternative to the city's classical collections.
History and architecture
The museum was born from the conversion of the former Peroni plant, a fine example of early-20th-century industrial archaeology. Between 2007 and 2010, French architect Odile Decq designed the extension that gave MACRO its identity: clean volumes, a soaring hall, glass walls, ramps and a celebrated panoramic terrace, with bold accents of red playing off black and white. The result is a manifesto of a building, itself a work of contemporary art and a brilliant example of dialogue between 20th-century industry and contemporary design.
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What to see at MACRO
MACRO bets on research and contemporary languages: the program is built mainly around temporary exhibitions, artist projects, installations, photography, performance and art publishing. Here's what not to miss.
The temporary exhibitions
The heart of the MACRO is its exhibition program, which changes often: solo and group shows, installations, photography, video, performance and events tied to publishing and design. That's exactly why it pays to check which project is on display when you visit: every time, the museum offers something different.
The collection
Alongside the exhibitions, MACRO holds a collection devoted to Italian and international art from the postwar period to today: painting, sculpture, photography and new media that trace the evolution of contemporary visual languages. The collection is brought to life through displays and itineraries that dialogue with the shows currently on view.
Odile Decq's architecture
A key part of the visit is the building itself, a work of contemporary art in its own right. Not to miss:
- The vast hall with its ramps and suspended volumes.
- The slashes of red that energize the white and black spaces.
- The panoramic terrace on the roof, overlooking the neighbourhood.
How to plan your visit
In about 1 to 1.5 hours you'll see the best of it:
- The hall and Odile Decq's architecture
- The current temporary exhibition
- The collection itineraries
- The panoramic terrace
Two venues: Via Nizza and Testaccio
The MACRO name has historically spanned two venues: the main one on Via Nizza and the Testaccio site, carved out of the spaces of Rome's Mattatoio (the former slaughterhouse). Before you go, check whether the show you want is on Via Nizza or in Testaccio.
MACRO Testaccio and the former Mattatoio
Inside the Testaccio district, the Mattatoio is one of the city's most fascinating examples of industrial archaeology. Built in the late 19th century, the vast complex where meat was once processed shaped the life and economy of Testaccio for decades. Decommissioned, it was reclaimed and turned into a major cultural district: pavilions, warehouses and iron-and-brick canopies now host exhibitions, art projects and activities, in a striking contrast between the raw industrial feel of the spaces and the lightness of contemporary art.
The complex typically hosts:
- Temporary exhibitions and contemporary art events.
- Spaces for installations, performances and cultural projects.
- Initiatives tied to photography, design and research.
The spaces and program can change over time: for current exhibitions, opening hours and active entrances, check the official website.
Part of MACRO Testaccio's appeal is its neighbourhood: Testaccio is one of Rome's most authentic areas, home to Monte dei Cocci, the Mercato di Testaccio and the great tradition of Roman cuisine. A visit to the former Mattatoio pairs perfectly with a stroll and a meal in the rione. See the complete guide to the Testaccio district.
Tickets and opening hours
The MACRO on Via Nizza has historically kept a very visitor-friendly access policy, with periods of free admission to the venue and low-cost tickets for select exhibitions or events. Since the museum runs a highly dynamic program, admission and conditions can shift with the exhibitions on view, so it always pays to check before you go.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admission (venue) | Historically periods of free admission; some exhibitions may carry a low-cost ticket (indicative, check the official website) |
| Opening days | Tuesday to Sunday, continuous hours from morning to evening |
| Closing day | Monday |
| Booking | Usually not required for the venue; may be requested for some exhibitions or evening events |
| Visit length | About 1 to 1.5 hours |
Hours may change for openings, evening events or installation work: for a research museum like MACRO, checking the current calendar is especially worthwhile (indicative hours, check the official website).
What to keep an eye on:
- Current exhibition: the program changes often; check which project is on view.
- Evening events: MACRO occasionally hosts late openings and after-hours initiatives.
- The terrace and the lobby: Odile Decq's architecture is part of the experience too.
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How to get there
The main venue of MACRO sits on Via Nizza, at the corner of Via Cagliari, in the Salario-Nomentano district, northeast of the historic centre. It's a residential area with excellent public transport, just a short hop from Villa Borghese and Termini station.
- By metro and bus: the closest metro stops are Castro Pretorio (Line B) and Policlinico (Line B), both a short walk or quick bus ride away. The area is served by numerous bus routes linking the district to Termini and the centre, often the most practical way to arrive.
- By tram: several tram lines cross the district, connecting the Porta Pia and Termini areas with the neighbourhoods to the north, handy for hopping between MACRO, Villa Borghese and the centre.
- By car and private driver (NCC): the Salario-Nomentano district is residential and parking can get tricky at peak times. A private driver makes the visit easier with drop-off right at the museum, ideal for pairing MACRO with MAXXI, GNAM or Villa Borghese.
To reach the Testaccio venue: Testaccio is served by Metro Line B (Piramide), by buses and by tram 3. With a private driver, you skip the hassle of parking in the neighbourhood.
Practical tips
- Check online before you go: MACRO's admission and exhibitions change frequently.
- Skip Monday: it's usually the closing day.
- Pair it with the MAXXI: both are devoted to contemporary art and make a great itinerary; the GNAM (National Gallery of Modern Art) at Villa Borghese is another natural stop.
- Build a contemporary-art route: combine MACRO with the MAXXI in nearby Flaminio, GNAM, and a stroll through Villa Borghese and the Coppedè district, all a short distance away.
- Let someone else drive: with a private driver, parking in the neighbourhood is no longer your problem and the route between Rome's contemporary-art hubs stays flowing.
Frequently asked questions
What is MACRO? It's the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, devoted to the art of our time. The main venue is on Via Nizza, in a former Peroni brewery expanded by architect Odile Decq.
What can you see at MACRO? Above all temporary exhibitions, artist projects, installations, photography and performance, plus a collection of Italian and international art from the postwar years to today, and Odile Decq's celebrated architecture.
How much does it cost and what are the hours? MACRO has historically had periods of free admission to the venue, with possible low-cost tickets for some exhibitions (prices indicative, check the official website). It's generally open Tuesday to Sunday with continuous hours and closed on Monday.
How many venues does MACRO have? Historically two: the main venue on Via Nizza and the Testaccio site, in the former Mattatoio. Check the official website for current venues and active exhibitions.
What's the closest stop to MACRO? The nearest metro stops are Castro Pretorio and Policlinico (Line B), followed by a short walk or a bus. The area is also well served by numerous bus routes.
Is it worth visiting? Yes, for anyone who loves contemporary art, design and architecture: MACRO offers a modern, experimental side of Rome, a refreshing alternative to the classical museums, and it pairs beautifully with the MAXXI and the GNAM.
See also
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