One of the most important centres forcontemporary art in Europe is Milan’s Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea, orContemporary Arts Pavilion. The art gallery in downtown Milan hosts temporaryexhibitions of exciting up-and-coming works from international artists.Photography, sculpture, video work, paintings and installations fill the roomsat any given time of the year. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate thebuilding the gallery is housed in for its distinct 1950s style of Italianarchitecture. Contemporary art lovers should plan to spend several hoursadmiring the exhibits.
Milan is known for its incrediblecollections of art but very few galleries displayed contemporary works beforethe Pavilion opened in 1954. The gallery put Italy’s most fashionable city onthe map as a destination for fans of new as well as classical art.
Italian architect Ignazio Gardelladesigned the spacious and modern gallery, built in the grounds of an old villa.Part of the building was damaged by a mafia-related explosion in the early1990s, and Gardella and his son had it entirely reconstructed. Today works arespread across 1,200 square metres (12,916 square feet) of space. Look outfloor-to-ceiling windows that frame the trees and several lakes in the garden.Admire the high ceilings and long, wide hallways that define the modern galleryand set it apart from other art institutions in Milan.
Enjoy the art on your own or as part ofa free guided tour on Sunday evenings. Paper guides detailing the works ondisplay are included with the price of admission. Learn about the latestmovements in contemporary art and the who’s who of new artists. The temporaryexhibitions change regularly check the Contemporary Arts Pavilion website tofind out what’s on.
The Contemporary Arts Pavilion is situatedin the Villa Reale in downtown Milan, alongside the Modern Art Gallery. Reachthe arts centre easily by tram, bus or metro. Pay to park in nearby streets.The gallery is open every day.
