Rome's Mattatoio Sheds Macro Identity, Faces Uncertain Future
The Mattatoio, previously known as Macro, is a historic slaughterhouse complex located in Testaccio, Rome, which has undergone a rebranding. Constructed between 1888 and 1891 by Gioacchino Ersoch, it was revitalized in the early 2000s and reopened its doors in 2010. After being managed by Musei in Comune until 2017, control was transferred to Azienda Speciale Palaexpo due to a directive from Assessore Luca Bergamo in 2018. Palaexpo is responsible for programming the venue as part of the 'Polo del Contemporaneo e del Futuro.' Recent exhibitions, such as 'Mauro Maugliani. Étoiles Filantes' and a solo display by Luis Felipe Ortega, have lacked cohesive programming. Palaexpo has confirmed that the Mattatoio will not serve as a rental space, with an Andrea Pazienza exhibition on the horizon. The venue's identity crisis continues.
Key facts
- Mattatoio in Testaccio, Rome, drops 'Macro' from its name.
- Built 1888-1891 by Gioacchino Ersoch, restored early 2000s, opened 2010.
- Managed by Musei in Comune until 2017, now under Azienda Speciale Palaexpo.
- Decision by Assessore Luca Bergamo in 2018; excludes Mattatoio from 'Macro Asilo' project.
- Palaexpo also runs Palazzo delle Esposizioni and Macro.
- Recent exhibitions: Mauro Maugliani (Jewish Community of Rome) and Luis Felipe Ortega (curated by Lucilla Meloni).
- Upcoming: Andrea Pazienza show, Ivory Coast Embassy collaboration, Short Theatre and Romaeuropa festival partnerships.
- Critics note lack of coherent curatorial identity and organic programming.
Entities
Artists
- Gioacchino Ersoch
- Mauro Maugliani
- Luis Felipe Ortega
- Tania Candiani
- Andrea Pazienza
- Lucilla Meloni
Institutions
- Macro
- Mattatoio
- Musei in Comune
- Sovrintendenza Capitolina
- Roma Capitale
- Azienda Speciale Palaexpo
- Palazzo delle Esposizioni
- Comunità Ebraica di Roma
- Musée Masséna di Nizza
- Ambasciata della Costa d'Avorio
- Short Theatre
- Fondazione Romaeuropa
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Testaccio
- Nizza
- Città del Messico
- Mexico
- Venice