GAM – Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art: A Journey Through Art from the Nineteenth Centur

The GAM – Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art of Turin is not just a museum, but a true institution that has shaped the history of art in Italy. Founded in 1895, it was the first civic gallery of modern art established in the country, and it still holds its status today as a key reference point for the study and promotion of visual arts.

History and Collections

GAM houses a heritage of over 50,000 works—including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and drawings—that offer a comprehensive overview of art from the 19th century to the present day. The collections, arranged across four floors, allow visitors to embark on a true journey through time, exploring the artistic movements that have defined modern and contemporary art.

• Painting and Sculpture of the 19th Century: the exhibition begins with works that mark the transition from academic art to modern art, showcasing masterpieces of Realism, Symbolism, and Divisionism. The highlight of this section is undoubtedly The Fourth Estate (Il quarto stato) by Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo, an iconic work that depicts the struggles and hopes of the working class at the dawn of the 20th century.
• 20th-Century Collections: this section spans movements from Futurism to Informal Art, from Arte Povera to Transavanguardia. The museum boasts works by internationally renowned artists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Giacomo Balla, and Amedeo Modigliani, along with a rich collection dedicated to Arte Povera, a movement that had one of its main hubs in Turin.
• Temporary Exhibitions: GAM also stands out for its dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, which offer opportunities to explore specific themes or discover emerging artists, ensuring the museum remains deeply engaged with the contemporary art scene.

A Cultural and Educational Hub

The museum is not only an exhibition space but also an active cultural center that organizes conferences, meetings, and educational workshops for schools and families. Its specialized library and photographic archive make it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers, while its bookstore and in-house café provide spaces for socializing and relaxation, completing the visitor experience.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Magenta, 31, Turin (TO). Its central location makes it easily accessible.
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 011 4429518
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday: closed
  • Last admission: one hour before closing time
• Tickets:
  • Full: €10.00
  • Reduced: €8.00 (for visitors aged 18–25, over 65, and other eligible categories)
  • Free: for visitors under 18
  • Museum passes and combined tickets are also available

GAM is an unmissable experience for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the world of art, offering a journey that unites the beauty of the past with the vitality of the present.

Cover photo credits: Riccardo Tasso, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0