About MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts
Italy's national museum dedicated to 21st-century creativity, in a fluid Zaha Hadid building that won the 2010 Stirling Prize.
Founded in 2010, MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts has been welcoming visitors for over 16 years. Today it draws approximately 500,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited modern & contemporary museums in the world. Located in Rome, Italy, the museum holds a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 4,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts ranks #80
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #80 in our composite ranking, MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: RIBA Stirling Prize 2010.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 1.5–2 hours, planning your route through MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Hadid architecture itself
- ◆MAXXI Arte collection
- ◆MAXXI Architettura archives
- ◆Photography
Recognition & awards
MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–19:00 (Sat until 22:00). Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 1.5–2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts is located in Rome, Italy at coordinates 41.9286°N, 12.4660°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts
MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts was established in 2010, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Rome. With 500,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Italy's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important modern & contemporary museums in the Europe region.
Other top modern & contemporary museums
If you enjoy modern & contemporary museums like MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)New York, United States
- #12Tate ModernLondon, United Kingdom
- #13Centre PompidouParis, France
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, United States
- #26Guggenheim Museum BilbaoBilbao, Spain
More museums in Rome
Rome is home to 3 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts with these nearby institutions:
- #194Capitoline Museums🏺 Archaeology & Antiquity
- #195Villa Borghese (Galleria Borghese)🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts?
Tue–Sun 11:00–19:00 (Sat until 22:00). Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts?
Most visitors recommend spending 1.5–2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts located?
MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts is located in Rome, Italy. The exact coordinates are 41.9286°, 12.4660°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts known for?
Zaha Hadid's Roman concrete ribbon. Key highlights include Hadid architecture itself, MAXXI Arte collection, MAXXI Architettura archives. The museum holds a 4.4/5 rating from 4,500 reviews.
How many people visit MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts each year?
MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts receives approximately 500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Italy.
When was MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts founded?
MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts was founded in 2010, making it 16 years old. It is categorised as a modern & contemporary museum in our directory.
