Museo del Novecento Milano unveils complete permanent collection rehang

The Museo del Novecento in Milan has completely renewed its permanent collection display under director Gianfranco Maraniello. The new layout follows a chronological order with monographic deep dives, while maintaining a thematic character. Works previously in storage are now on view. Maraniello restored the concept of the museum as a threshold, opening the space to Piazza del Duomo through large windows and a dialogue between natural and artificial light. The rehang includes a Robert Rauschenberg piece in the Futurism gallery, contrasting Futurist optimism with industrial crisis. Ugo Mulas's photographs document artists like Lucio Fontana and Alberto Burri, and a new octagonal glass floor allows visitors to view the Sala delle Cariatidi from above. The Archives space opened with a show on Artshow (1986–2011), the historic guide to Milan's contemporary art scene. Thirteen large windows on the second floor now offer panoramic views of the Duomo. The lighting design eliminated over 150 spotlights, creating a 'democracy of light' where works are seen without theatrical emphasis. A room dedicated to Nouveau Réalisme highlights its connection to Piazza del Duomo. The renovation will continue in autumn with interventions on the entrance and access ramp, ahead of the construction of the Arengario's second tower.