Rome's contemporary statement

Known as the eternal city, Rome's greatest treasure is its storied legacy. Stepping from this formidable shadow has long been the city's challenge to position itself as contemporarily relevant metropolis, especially in comparison to its Italian sibling Milan. A step in this direction to present a more contemporary Rome is the addition of MAXXI, the National Museum of XXI Century Arts. The museum, nestled in Rome's Flaminio quarter, is funded by Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities. It features two main exhibition space, MAXXI Art, and MAXXI Architecture. 

The first statement from the museum is its imposing architecture. Designed by superstar architect Zaha Hadid, the space features bold yet sinuous forms, consistent with the architect's oeuvre as well as with Italy's modern and futurist artistic cannon. The curatorial point of view seeks a balance between global and Italian, with current exhibits including focus on the the role of arts in social discourse, the impact of Italian architects around the world, as well as a site-specific exhibit by Dutch architectural studio UNStudio.

Like its brethren of leading museums around the world, MAXXI provides visitors a fully immersive experience, including digitally-enhanced means of interacting with the galleries and art pieces. It also features a modernly sleek bookstore and cafeteria.  

MAXXI is a bold and modern complement to Rome's historical sights, and a needed reinforcement by Italy of its role in contemporary society and thinking.