Rome's contemporary art museum

The MAXXI — the National Museum of 21st Century Arts — is Rome's leading museum of contemporary art and architecture. It sits in the Flaminio district and is a work of art in its own right: the building was designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, opened in 2010, and won the prestigious Stirling Prize. Its flowing concrete forms, suspended staircases and curving galleries make it one of the most important contemporary buildings in Italy.

Unlike Rome's historic museums, the MAXXI looks to the present and the future: it hosts contemporary art, architecture, design, photography and temporary exhibitions of international standing.

Two museums in one

The MAXXI is built around two major sections:

  • MAXXI Arte — devoted to contemporary art (from the second half of the 20th century to today).
  • MAXXI Architettura — Italy's first national museum dedicated to architecture, with archives, projects and models.

Alongside these run temporary exhibitions that change regularly, ranging across art, design, photography and visual culture.

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Zaha Hadid's building

The real star of the MAXXI is the building itself. Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, created a fluid, dynamic space made of interweaving volumes, curving walls in exposed concrete, suspended black staircases and abundant natural light. Visiting it means walking inside a habitable sculpture: the architecture alone is worth the trip. We cover it in our guide to the MAXXI and Zaha Hadid's architecture.

Who it's perfect for

The MAXXI is ideal for anyone who:

  • Loves contemporary art and architecture.
  • Is looking for a different side of Rome, beyond the ancient monuments.
  • Wants a stop in the Flaminio district, perhaps paired with the Auditorium.

You'll find the details on collections and exhibitions in our guide to what to see at the MAXXI.

How much time you need

A visit takes roughly 1.5-2 hours, depending on the current exhibitions. It pairs perfectly with a stroll through the Flaminio district or a visit to the nearby Auditorium Parco della Musica.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MAXXI? It's the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, Rome's leading museum of contemporary art and architecture, in the Flaminio district. The building is the work of architect Zaha Hadid and opened in 2010.

Who designed the MAXXI? Zaha Hadid, one of the most important contemporary architects and the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize. The building won the Stirling Prize in 2010.

What can you see at the MAXXI? Contemporary art (MAXXI Arte), architecture (MAXXI Architettura), design and photography, plus international temporary exhibitions. The building itself is one of the main attractions.

How much time do you need for a visit? About 1.5-2 hours, depending on the current exhibitions. It pairs well with a stroll through the Flaminio district.

Is the MAXXI worth visiting? Yes, especially if you love contemporary art and architecture or want a different side of Rome: Zaha Hadid's building is worth the visit on its own.

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Article #397 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026