ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Zaha Hadid's Unfinished MAXXI: Completion or New Design?

architecture-design · 2026-04-27

The MAXXI museum in Rome, designed by Zaha Hadid, was originally conceived as a larger complex with five buildings, but only the central structure was completed. The unfinished project raises the question of whether to complete Hadid's original design or pursue a new architectural vision. The museum is located at Piazza Alighiero Boetti, a square that was not originally planned. The article by Massimiliano Tonelli on Artribune explores the debate around the future of the site.

Key facts

  • Zaha Hadid designed the MAXXI museum in Rome.
  • The original model included five buildings, but only the central one was built.
  • The museum is situated at Piazza Alighiero Boetti.
  • The square was not part of the original plan.
  • The article questions whether to complete Hadid's project or create a new one.
  • Massimiliano Tonelli wrote the article for Artribune.
  • The article was published in February 2022.
  • The MAXXI is an Italian national museum of 21st-century arts.

Entities

Artists

  • Zaha Hadid

Institutions

  • MAXXI
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Piazza Alighiero Boetti

Sources