 In 1863 Turin became the first Italian city
to establish a Museum specifically for Modern and Contemporary Art. The collection has relocated several times, most recently to the current
purpose-built complex which opened in 1993.
About 500 works are on permanent display in
two principal galleries - one dedicated to the 19th century and one to the
20th century; there are also some larger sculptures in the grounds outside.
The 19th century gallery contains mainly
works by Italian artists with Italian themes, and for me viewing them
re-enforced the sense of being in Italy and seeing Italian things. These
works include beautiful sculptures, and several paintings by the local
landscapist, Massimo D'Azeglio.
During the 20th century, the acquisition
policy of the curators has diverged and the more recent work is more
international in provenance, however my favourite in the entire museum
remains 'People in the Street' (1956-57) by Guttuso, who was a Sicilian.
For copyright reasons we are not able to show
any of the collection but the Museum has a website (in English) at
www.gamtorino.it which enables you to
preview some of the permanent collection. Details are also given of
forthcoming temporary exhibitions. There is an online bookshop, and links to
numerous other art-related sites.
An illustrated (black and white) guide to the collection is
available (in English) from the Museum shop, and is very good value at four
euros.
The admission charge (February 2007) was 7.50
euros (free on the first Tuesday of the month). The Museum is closed on
Mondays and otherwise normally open from 10.00am to 7.00pm, Tuesday to
Sunday.
Directions
Leave Porta Nuova railway station by the main
(front) exit and turn left onto Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II. The Museum is
just two blocks further along, about a 10 minute stroll. At the major
roundabout where there is a giant statue of Vittorio Emanuelle himself, turn left into Corso Galileo Ferraris and the Museum is now
visible on the other side of this road.
If it is a very hot day, you might prefer to
cross Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II and walk on the other side of the road -
this side has pleasant shaded arcades all the way to the roundabout, and
delightful cafes and other attractions.
These include Peyrano, a Turin chocolatier and
confectioner www.peyrano.com, and the
the elegantly restored fin de siecle Caffe Ristorante Platti
www.platti.it (apart from local
specialities, English Tea is served from 3pm to 6pm).
E mail:
kerrie@anitalianadventure.co.uk
0039 0141 851 154
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