A three-building contemporary art museum housed in a converted grain silo and modern extensions, showcasing twentieth-century Italian masters and global contemporary works across multiple thematic galleries.
At a glance
MAGI900 occupies three interconnected structures: the original blue grain silo (opened as a museum in 2000), a six-level wing added in 2005, and a three-storey contemporary extension completed in 2015. The ensemble presents Italian and international art across thematic rooms, from twentieth-century masters to abstract, figurative, and aniconic contemporary practice.
History
The grain silo, transformed by architect Giuseppe Davanzo, reopened as a museum in 2000. A second wing followed in 2005, extending the collection’s reach. A third building was added in 2015, allowing the institution to accommodate growing acquisitions and programming. The site functions as both exhibition space and cultural venue for performances, conferences, and educational activities.
What you see
The historic silo provides an industrial counterpoint to the newer buildings. The 2005 wing spans six levels of gallery space, while the 2015 extension rises three storeys with a panoramic terrace. The latter’s simple, compact volume is organized by collection: ground floor displays African and South American art, the first floor features contemporary aniconic work, and the top level presents figurative and new realist painting and sculpture.
Cultural significance
The museum showcases major twentieth-century Italian painters and sculptors including Boldini, Burri, De Chirico, Fontana, and Modigliani alongside international contemporary figures like South African painter Esther Mahlangu and Japanese performance artist Shozo Shimamoto. Holdings span artistic movements—Abstract Presence, Visual Poetry, Metacosa, and Madì—and include the noted 8X10 minimal works collection assembled by filmmaker Cesare Zavattini.
Key facts
- Address: Via Rusticana, 1, 40066 Pieve di Cento
- Coordinates: 44.7111206, 11.3035574
- Phone: 051 6861545
- Website: http://www.magi900.com/
- Key dates: Silo conversion 2000; second wing 2005; third wing 2015
Practical information
The museum houses permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, educational programmes, and cultural events. A sculpture garden features monumental works by contemporary Italian sculptors. Opening hours and current exhibition details are available on the official website.
Getting there
MAGI900 is located in Pieve di Cento, a town in the Emilia-Romagna region south of Bologna. For directions, public transport options, and parking information, consult the museum’s website or contact the venue directly.
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