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.
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.
Want to visit MACRO and discover Rome's contemporary art scene with a private driver?
My Rome Driver takes you to the museum and can carry on to the MAXXI or the city center. Fixed price, door to door.
Check availability and get a quote
Reply within 30 minutes · Fixed price · Free cancellation up to 24h before
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. The collection traces Italian and international art from the postwar years to today. We go deeper in our guide on what to see at MACRO.
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 the former Mattatoio (the former slaughterhouse). The latter, tied to the neighbourhood's industrial archaeology, is dedicated to exhibitions and events. We cover it in our guide to MACRO Testaccio and the former Mattatoio.
Opening hours, tickets and how to get there
For hours, admission and rates, see our guide to MACRO: tickets and hours. To plan your trip, check how to get to MACRO.
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.
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.
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.
Does it pair well with other museums? Yes: it combines beautifully with the MAXXI and the GNAM, for an itinerary devoted to the city's modern and contemporary art.
See also
- MACRO: tickets and hours
- What to see at MACRO
- How to get to MACRO
- MACRO Testaccio and the former Mattatoio
- MAXXI: the complete guide
Fixed price · ZTL access · Door to door
Article #472 · Category: Museums · Updated: May 2026