MACTE – Museum of Contemporary Art of Termoli: A Landmark for Art in Molise

The MACTE – Museum of Contemporary Art of Termoli is not merely an exhibition gallery but a dynamic and ever-evolving cultural institution that has established itself as a benchmark for contemporary art not only in Molise but throughout central and southern Italy. Housed in a modern building, the museum serves as a bridge between the region’s artistic past and the most recent global trends.

History: From the Termoli Prize to the Birth of the Museum

The history of MACTE is inseparably linked to that of the Termoli Prize, one of the longest-running and most prestigious contemporary art competitions in Italy. Established in 1955, the Prize has for decades been a crucial event for both emerging and established artists, helping to shape the trajectory of Italian art in the postwar period.

The award-winning works, acquired year after year, formed the initial nucleus of what is today MACTE’s rich Permanent Collection. This collection offers a unique and invaluable testimony to the evolution of Italian art, featuring works by masters such as Carla Accardi, Toti Scialoja, and Mario Schifano, and presenting a profound overview of the artistic movements that defined the 20th century—from Informal Art to Arte Povera.

The collection is not limited to a static display; it is periodically reorganized to create new dialogues and insights between the artworks and the public.

A Cultural and Educational Hub

MACTE stands out for its vibrant exhibition program and its active role in the cultural landscape. Alongside its historical collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists—both Italian and international—exploring artistic languages ranging from painting to sculpture, from photography to video art. This approach makes the museum a place of discovery and continuous dialogue with the most current artistic research.

But MACTE is also a laboratory of ideas—a place of cultural production and education. The museum regularly organizes workshops for children and adults, educational programs for schools, and meetings with artists and critics. These initiatives aim to make contemporary art accessible to everyone and to stimulate visitors’ creativity and critical thinking.

Its modern, functional structure—with spaces dedicated to screenings and conferences—makes it a multifunctional center capable of hosting various kinds of events, further consolidating its role as a cultural promoter in the region.

Visitor Information

MACTE is strategically located in Termoli, just a short distance from the train station and the city center, making it easily accessible to visitors from all directions.

• Address: Via Giappone, Termoli (CB)
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 0875 808025
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday and Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Monday: closed
• Tickets:
  • Full: €5.00
  • Reduced: €3.00 (for students, visitors over 65, and groups of at least 10 people)
  • Free: for children under 12 and other specific categories

MACTE is not just a museum to visit, but an experience to live—a place where contemporary art converses with the past and looks toward the future, enriching the cultural landscape of Molise and Italy as a whole.

Cover photo credits: Nadies11, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0