MADRE — Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina
Napoli (NA)
KnownMuseums

The story
In the Donnaregina palace the MADRE gathers contemporary art in Napoli, from the site-specific installations conceived for its rooms to the great names of the later twentieth century.
The story
The MADRE — Donnaregina Museum of Contemporary Art — is the main contemporary art museum of Naples, opened in 2005 in the Palazzo Donnaregina, near the Duomo. Housed in a historic building enlarged by the architect Álvaro Siza, it is run by the Campania Region through the Fondazione Donnaregina.
What to see
The site-specific installations conceived for the museum and the works of great international artists — from Jannis Kounellis to Richard Long, from Robert Rauschenberg to Damien Hirst — on several floors of a palace that weaves ancient and contemporary. A space of international breadth in the centre of Naples.
Tips
The museum has its own entrance and hours, with temporary exhibitions that change: check the programme, hours and ticket on the official site. You are near the Duomo and the decumani, handy to fit into a day in the old centre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MADRE of Naples?
The main contemporary art museum of the city, opened in 2005 in the Palazzo Donnaregina, near the Duomo, with works by great international artists.
What can you see at the MADRE?
Site-specific installations and works by artists such as Kounellis, Richard Long, Rauschenberg and Damien Hirst, on several floors of a historic palace.
Where is the MADRE?
In via Settembrini, at the Palazzo Donnaregina, in the old centre of Naples, near the Duomo.
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