MAXXI - The Museum of Modern Art

A slice of modernity amidst the classical treasures

Word to the wise: Visit the lovely onsite gardens. They house several beautiful statues and fountains and delightful spots to sit and relax.
This is the new kid on the museum block. Italy's USD 200 million museum of modern art is the country's first institution devoted to contemporary creativity. It's really two museums in one, part architecture, part art, and was designed by the Iraqi born architect Zaha Hadid who wanted to give the city an influx of contemporary designs to complement its Roman, Baroque and other historical treasures.

The museum's galleries include works by Anish Kapoor and Francesco Clemente and the archives of architects Pier Luigi Nervi and Carlo Scarpa. In addition to the galleries there is a library, media library, café, bar and restaurant, and spaces for performances and temporary exhibitions.