Castello di Rivoli marks 40 years with Ouverture 2024 exhibition

On December 18, 2024, the Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea celebrates its 40th anniversary. The museum originated from the 1978 restoration of a dilapidated castle, which reopened on December 18, 1984 as Italy's first contemporary art museum. Architect Andrea Bruno led the restoration from 1979 to 1984, adding a suspended staircase and modern materials. The inaugural exhibition, Ouverture, was curated by first director Rudi Fuchs, featuring 120 works by 71 artists. For the anniversary, the museum presents Ouverture 2024, curated by current director Francesco Manacorda and deputy director Marcella Beccaria, updating the original concept. The museum's collection began without the Panza collection, as the Piedmont Region rejected Giuseppe Panza di Biumo's donation to pursue a more ambitious vision. Notable directors include Ida Giannelli (1990-2010), who strengthened the collection with Arte Povera and Transavanguardia works; Beatrice Merz and Andrea Bellini (2010-2012), who focused on female artists; and Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev (2016-2023), who introduced the Cerruti collection and a Beeple work. For the anniversary, Gabriel Orozco's installation Shade Between Rings of Air (2003) debuts in Sala 18, and the Education Department launches the Castello Incantato project on the third floor.