A building that is itself a work of art
At the MAXXI, the building isn't just a container for the exhibitions: it's the museum's most important work. Designed by star architect Zaha Hadid and inaugurated in 2010, it's one of Italy's finest examples of contemporary architecture, honored that same year with RIBA's prestigious Stirling Prize. Stepping inside means entering a vast habitable sculpture, where walls, stairs, and light take center stage.
Zaha Hadid's signature
Zaha Hadid (1950-2016), of Iraqi origin, was one of the most revolutionary figures in world architecture and the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize. Her style — fluid, dynamic, built from sweeping curves and volumes in motion — finds one of its fullest expressions at the MAXXI. The building seems to "flow," like a system of concrete ribbons weaving together, inside and out.
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What to look for
As you explore, look up and take in:
- The curved volumes in exposed concrete, overlapping and interweaving.
- The suspended black staircases, crossing the space like bridges.
- The skylights and broad glass walls, shaping natural light throughout the rooms.
- The fluid galleries, free of sharp corners, guiding the visitor's movement.
- The contrast between the white of the walls and the black of the stairs and details.
This is architecture meant to be walked through: the route itself is part of the experience.
Why it matters
The MAXXI marked a turning point for Rome: in a city dominated by the ancient and the baroque, it introduced a bold statement of world-class contemporary architecture. Together with Renzo Piano's Auditorium and other projects, it helped reinvent the Flaminio district as a modern cultural hub. For lovers of architecture and design, it's an essential stop.
Who it's ideal for
The MAXXI building is perfect for anyone who:
- Studies or loves architecture and design.
- Is looking for a contemporary Rome beyond the ancient monuments.
- Wants to experience Zaha Hadid's work in person.
For the collections and exhibitions, see the guide what to see at the MAXXI.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the MAXXI? Architect Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize. The building was inaugurated in 2010 and won RIBA's Stirling Prize that same year.
What makes the MAXXI's architecture special? The fluid, dynamic forms, the curved volumes in exposed concrete, the suspended black staircases, and the natural light shaped by skylights and glass walls: a building-sculpture meant to be walked through.
Can you visit the MAXXI just for the architecture? Yes: the building is one of the main attractions, and many visitors come above all for Zaha Hadid's work, regardless of the exhibitions on show.
Who was Zaha Hadid? An architect of Iraqi origin (1950-2016), among the most influential in the world, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, celebrated for her fluid, visionary style.
Why is the MAXXI important for Rome? Because it brought a bold statement of world-class contemporary architecture to a city dominated by the ancient, helping reinvent the Flaminio district as a cultural hub.
See also
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Article #401 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026