MAXXI turns 15, becomes National Monument, launches 5 new projects
On May 30, 2025, the MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome will mark its 15th anniversary and has been recognized as a National Monument, a designation initiated by former president Alessandro Giuli in July 2024. The museum, which was designed by Zaha Hadid, first opened its doors on May 30, 2010, and extended its reach to L'Aquila in 2021. A new exhibition titled 'True Colors' is set to debut on June 7. The 'Grande MAXXI' initiative, which will be completed in 2027, features a new structure by LAN. To celebrate the anniversary, five new projects will be unveiled, including a revamped hall by Nacho Carbonell and the exhibition 'STADI. Architettura e mito.' On May 30, entry will be free from 11 am to 11 pm, with events continuing into May 31.
Key facts
- MAXXI becomes a National Monument, a rare status for contemporary architecture in Italy.
- The museum opened on May 30, 2010, designed by Zaha Hadid.
- Alessandro Giuli initiated the monument status process in July 2024.
- Expansion to L'Aquila at Palazzo Ardinghelli in 2021; 'True Colors' opens June 7.
- Grande MAXXI project by LAN to complete in 2027.
- Linear urban park by Bas Smets to open by 2026 as part of MAXXI Hub + Green.
- Nacho Carbonell redesigns the hall with a 7-meter tree made from pine trunks and recovered fishing nets.
- ENTRATE program launches, dedicated to contemporary design, with annual designer interventions.
- Exhibition 'STADI. Architettura e mito' opens May 30, featuring 54 stadium projects and works by Yuri Ancarani, Philippe Parreno, and Douglas Gordon.
- Douglas Gordon presents 'Pretty much every film and video work from about 1992 until now' with 12 new works.
- Archival focus on Galleria Pieroni (1975-1992) and Enrico Del Debbio's Foro Italico.
- Free entry on May 30 from 11 am to 11 pm with mandatory online reservation.
- Celebration includes music and food trucks from 6 pm to 11 pm.
- Free guided tours on May 31 for 'The Large Glass,' 'Something in the Water,' and 'Stadi.'
Entities
Artists
- Zaha Hadid
- Nacho Carbonell
- Martina Muzi
- Bas Smets
- Manuel Orazi
- Fabio Salomoni
- Moira Valeri
- Yuri Ancarani
- Philippe Parreno
- Douglas Gordon
- Stefano Chiodi
- Ariane Varela Braga
- Carla Zhara Buda
- Enrico Del Debbio
- Alessandro Giuli
- Francesco Stocchi
- Livia Montagnoli
Institutions
- MAXXI
- Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI secolo
- ISPRA
- LAN
- Galleria Pieroni
- Accademia di Francia a Roma
- Villa Medici
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- L'Aquila
- Palazzo Ardinghelli
- Via Masaccio
- Glasgow
- Carrara
- Foro Italico
- San Siro