M.A.C.I. – Museum of contemporary art of Imperia: a journey through twentieth-century art

In the heart of Imperia, surrounded by an oasis of peace and beauty, stands the M.A.C.I. – Museum of Contemporary Art of Imperia. More than just a museum, it is a sensory and cultural experience that fuses the beauty of art with the charm of a historic setting: Villa Faravelli. This elegant early twentieth-century residence, an architectural gem overlooking the Gulf of Oneglia, houses one of the most important art collections in Liguria — a perfect blend of nature, history, and human creativity.

A Story of Generosity and Passion

The creation of M.A.C.I. is the result of an extraordinary act of generosity. The entire permanent collection, consisting of more than 60 works, was donated by the widow of Lino Invernizzi, a Genoese architect, collector, and patron of the arts. Inaugurated in 2016, the museum transformed Villa Faravelli into a vibrant cultural hub for the city, making an invaluable artistic heritage accessible to the public. The Invernizzi Collection is not a mere assortment of artworks, but a true educational journey through the major artistic movements of the postwar period, both Italian and international, offering reflection and intellectual inspiration.

The Permanent Collection: A Panorama of Twentieth-Century Art

M.A.C.I. offers a deep immersion into the heart of postwar art. Its rooms display masterpieces by artists who shaped an era, challenging conventions and redefining artistic language. Among the most notable figures are:

• Lucio Fontana: With his famous cuts on canvas, Fontana revolutionized painting by opening it to space and creating a dialogue between the artwork and its surrounding environment.
• Victor Vasarely: The father of Op Art, his works play with optical illusions, creating forms and movements that seem to dance across the surface — a mesmerizing and disorienting visual experience.
• Marino Marini: Renowned sculptor and engraver, Marini’s iconic Horse and Rider sculptures explore the relationship between humanity and nature, strength and fragility.
• Piero Dorazio: A leading figure of Italian abstract art, Dorazio’s canvases are explosions of color and energy, where grids and chromatic weaves form visually powerful compositions.
• Josef Albers: Through his series Homage to the Square, Albers’ precise studies of color interaction reveal how hues can create unexpected optical and emotional effects.

The collection also features works by Renato Birolli, Enzo Morlotti, René Magritte, Roberto Sebastian Matta, and many others — together forming an eclectic and captivating mosaic of modern creativity.

Beyond the Collection: Exhibitions, Events, and Education

M.A.C.I. is not limited to its permanent collection. It serves as a dynamic cultural laboratory, hosting regular temporary exhibitions dedicated to emerging artists or focused studies on modern masters. These initiatives allow visitors to explore new perspectives and deepen their understanding of specific artistic movements. The museum also organizes educational workshops and school activities, making art accessible to younger audiences and nurturing a new generation of art lovers. With its spacious rooms and charming garden, Villa Faravelli also hosts lectures, book presentations, and cultural events, making it a cornerstone of Imperia’s intellectual and artistic life.

Visitor Information

• Address: Villa Faravelli, Viale Matteotti 151, Porto Maurizio district, Imperia. Its elevated location offers a stunning view of the sea and the historic center.
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0183 297927
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening hours:
  • Thursday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Visitors are advised to call in advance to confirm opening hours.
• Tickets:
  • Full: €8.00
  • Reduced: €5.00 (for visitors under 18, over 65, or in groups of 10+)

The M.A.C.I. is an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Imperia — a place where art is not just admired, but lived and felt, in a timeless dialogue between creativity, history, and beauty.

Cover photo credits: Roberto Claudio Maria Bottino, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International