MAXXI Site Features

The stairs

Suspended black flights crossing the main volume, with red-lined balustrades and concrete ribbons overhead. This is the image of MAXXI, and it is best read from the top looking back down.

MAXXI Architecture

Italy's first national museum of architecture, dedicated to modern and contemporary Italian and international work — drawings and archives treated as exhibits rather than as supporting material.

MAXXI Art

The contemporary art half, whose collection has grown since 2010 by acquisition, commission, competition, awards for young artists, donation and permanent loan.

The Caserma Montello

Parts of the former military barracks are built into the museum. Look for where Hadid's forms meet the older masonry — the junctions are the most informative thing in the building.

The courtyard

The outdoor space around the museum is a venue for large-scale works in its own right, and the only place to take in the massing of the building whole.

The four buildings that are not there

Not an exhibit, but worth carrying around the building: Hadid's competition scheme had five structures and this is the one that got made.