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Mufoco, Italy's only public contemporary photography museum, turns 20 with new spaces and a nationwide loan project

institutional · 2026-04-27

The Mufoco (Museo di Fotografia Contemporanea) in Cinisello Balsamo marks its 20th anniversary this year. Contrary to speculation about its potential closure, the museum has strengthened its position thanks to backing from the Italian photography community. Upcoming renovations, supported by the Pnrr, aim to improve accessibility and inclusivity, with a reopening scheduled for February 10, 2024, featuring an immersive installation. While closed, Mufoco is lending pieces to various exhibitions, such as Gabriele Basilico's "Le mie città" at Triennale (running until January 7, 2024) and Francesco Jodice's "West" at Mann (October 25, 2023 – February 5, 2024). The reopening will also feature a Mario Giacomelli exhibition. The museum's archive boasts over 2 million photographs across 40 photographic funds.

Key facts

  • Mufoco is Italy's first and only public museum dedicated to contemporary photography and technological image.
  • The museum celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024.
  • Mufoco is located in Villa Ghirlanda, a 17th-century villa in Cinisello Balsamo.
  • The museum is undergoing renovation funded by Pnrr, designed by Dotdotdot studio.
  • Reopening is scheduled for February 10, 2024.
  • During renovation, Mufoco is lending works to exhibitions in Milan, Naples, Rome, Florence, and Soliera.
  • The museum's archive contains over 2 million photographs by more than 1,000 authors in 40 funds.
  • New acquisitions include Franco Vaccari's 'Photomatic d'Italia' series and works from the open call 'L'Italia è un desiderio'.

Entities

Artists

  • Gabriele Basilico
  • Francesco Jodice
  • Mario Giacomelli
  • Ilaria Turba
  • Franco Vaccari
  • Joan Fontcuberta
  • Luigi Ghirri
  • Paolo Castella
  • Giovanni Di Bello
  • Guido Guidi
  • Mario Fossati
  • Davide Rondoni

Institutions

  • Mufoco (Museo di Fotografia Contemporanea)
  • Triennale Milano
  • Villa Ghirlanda
  • Mann (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)
  • Scuderie del Quirinale
  • Uffizi
  • Castello Campori
  • Dotdotdot
  • Italian Council

Locations

  • Cinisello Balsamo
  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Naples
  • Rome
  • Florence
  • Soliera
  • Modena

Sources