What the MAXXI is
The MAXXI — the National Museum of 21st Century Arts — is Rome's leading museum of contemporary art and architecture, and a work of art in its own right. It sits in the Flaminio district, north of the historic centre, in a building designed by star architect Zaha Hadid: it opened in 2010 and won the prestigious Stirling Prize that same year. 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, and it 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, drawings, models and projects.
Running alongside these are temporary exhibitions that change regularly, ranging across art, design, photography and visual culture.
The MAXXI is ideal for anyone who loves contemporary art and architecture, is looking for a different side of Rome beyond the ancient monuments, or wants a stop in the Flaminio district — perhaps paired with the nearby Auditorium.
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What to see at the MAXXI
The MAXXI has no fixed collection to walk through like the classic museums: it thrives on exhibitions and an ongoing dialogue with the art and architecture of our time. Here's what to expect on your visit.
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 galleries that weave together, black suspended staircases hovering in the void, walls of exposed concrete and skylights that flood the rooms with natural light. Visiting it means walking inside a habitable sculpture — the architecture alone is worth the trip. We cover it in detail in our guide to the MAXXI and Zaha Hadid's architecture.
MAXXI Arte
The MAXXI Arte section gathers and presents works of contemporary art (from the late 20th century to today): installations, painting, sculpture, video and photography by Italian and international artists. The works rotate through the exhibitions, so what you see changes over time — the beauty of a living museum.
MAXXI Architettura
The MAXXI is also Italy's first national museum dedicated to architecture. The MAXXI Architettura section preserves archives, drawings, models and projects by the great masters of the 20th century and beyond, charting the evolution of architecture and design. It's a must for enthusiasts and students in the field.
The temporary exhibitions
The beating heart of the MAXXI is its temporary exhibitions: major showcases of art, architecture, design, photography and visual culture, often with international appeal. Because the museum lives mainly on these rotating displays, it's well worth checking the programme on the official website before your visit to see what's on and plan your time.
The piazza and outdoor spaces
The exterior is part of the experience too. The MAXXI's vast piazza hosts installations, events and open-air works, and is a lively public space with a café and a bookshop. It's a place where contemporary art enters the daily life of the district.
Tickets and opening hours
Tickets
Admission to the MAXXI requires a modestly priced ticket (approximate — check current prices on the official website), with a reduced rate for young people, students and other categories, and free entry for minors. The ticket generally grants access to all current exhibitions (MAXXI Arte, MAXXI Architettura and the temporary shows), as well as the museum's gallery spaces. Prices may vary during major exhibitions.
| Ticket | Notes |
|---|---|
| Full | Modest price (check the official website) |
| Reduced | Young people, students and other eligible categories |
| Free | Minors |
Opening hours
| Open | Tuesday to Sunday, continuous hours (often into the evening) |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Last admission | About one hour before closing |
Hours are approximate, so check the official website; the MAXXI sometimes runs extended evening openings.
Free admission and discounts
The MAXXI often offers free or discounted admission days or time slots — for example through cultural initiatives or "MAXXI free" occasions. These can be a great chance to visit, so check current promotions on the official website.
How to get to the MAXXI
The MAXXI sits on Via Guido Reni, in the Flaminio district, north of Rome's historic centre, close to the Auditorium Parco della Musica and a short hop from Ponte Milvio. It's a modern, quiet part of the city, well connected to the centre by tram.
By tram
The easiest way to get there is the tram:
- Tram 2 links Piazzale Flaminio (next to Piazza del Popolo and the Flaminio metro stop) with the Flaminio district. Hop off near Via Guido Reni / Apollodoro, just a few minutes' walk from the museum.
It's the most direct and scenic route from the centre.
By metro + tram
- Flaminio (Line A) — right beside Piazza del Popolo. From here, catch tram 2 toward the Flaminio district. It's the closest metro stop to the MAXXI.
By bus
Several bus lines serve the Flaminio district and Via Guido Reni, with stops just minutes from the museum.
By car and parking
The MAXXI lies outside the historic-centre ZTL, and the Flaminio area is more car-friendly than the centre, though parking is still tight. With a private driver (NCC) that's a non-issue: you're dropped right at the entrance while the driver handles transfers and waiting time — perfect if you want to pair the MAXXI with the Auditorium or other stops.
Want to reach the MAXXI without worrying about transit or parking?
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Practical tips
A visit takes roughly 1.5–2 hours, depending on the current exhibitions. To make the most of it:
- Start with Zaha Hadid's building — galleries, suspended staircases and light.
- See the temporary exhibitions currently on.
- Explore MAXXI Arte and MAXXI Architettura.
- Finish in the outdoor piazza and public spaces.
A few extra pointers:
- Check what's on: the MAXXI thrives on temporary exhibitions, which change frequently.
- Buy online to skip the line during major exhibitions; booking isn't always required, but it's worthwhile for big shows.
- Avoid Mondays: that's the closing day.
- Check evening openings and free admission days on the official website.
A perfect pairing
The MAXXI pairs beautifully with a stroll through the Flaminio district and nearby highlights:
- The Auditorium Parco della Musica (by Renzo Piano), just nearby and in the same district.
- Ponte Milvio, the historic "love locks" bridge.
- Piazza del Popolo and the Pincio, both reachable on tram 2.
A private driver keeps an itinerary around the Flaminio district flowing effortlessly.
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? Zaha Hadid's building (an attraction in its own right), the MAXXI Arte section (contemporary art), MAXXI Architettura (Italy's first national museum of architecture) and the temporary exhibitions, which change regularly.
How much is a MAXXI ticket? The price is modest, with reduced and free rates for eligible categories, and the ticket generally includes all current exhibitions. Major exhibitions may change the price. Check the official website.
What are the MAXXI's hours? It's generally open Tuesday to Sunday with continuous hours, often into the evening; closed on Mondays. Last admission is about an hour before closing.
How do you get to the MAXXI? The easiest way is tram 2 from Piazzale Flaminio (next to Piazza del Popolo and the Flaminio metro stop), hopping off in the Flaminio district near Via Guido Reni. A bus or a private driver are good alternatives too.
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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