MAMbo: Modern and Contemporary Art in the Beating Heart of Bologna

In the lively Manifattura delle Arti district of Bologna stands the MAMbo – Museum of Modern Art of Bologna. This museum is not only the city’s main hub for modern and contemporary art, but also an extraordinary example of how an industrial past can be transformed into a cultural future. Housed in the fascinating former “Forno del Pane” — an imposing early twentieth-century industrial building — MAMbo offers a captivating and comprehensive journey through Italian art from the post-war period to the present day.

From the Old Bread Oven to the Temple of Art

The museum’s venue is an integral part of its identity. The wide halls, large windows, and reinforced concrete structure of the former bread factory, masterfully renovated, create an evocative and dynamic atmosphere. The contrast between the functional architecture of the industrial complex and the creativity displayed inside is one of the most fascinating elements for visitors. The restoration project transformed a production site into a vibrant cultural space, where concrete becomes the perfect backdrop for paintings, sculptures, and installations.

The Collection: A Journey Through the History of Italian Art

MAMbo’s permanent collection is the heart of the museum experience. It unfolds through a chronological and thematic path that guides visitors across the main artistic movements of the late twentieth century.

• Post-war and Neorealism: The journey begins with post-war works that tell the story of a rebuilding Italy, with all its struggles and hopes. Visitors can admire paintings by artists such as Renato Guttuso and members of Gruppo ’63, who left a deep mark on Bologna’s art scene.
• Informal Art and Arte Povera: Numerous movements challenged traditional painting, such as informal art and arte povera, with works using unconventional materials that reflect the social and cultural tensions of their time.
• The Morandi Collection: One of the museum’s most celebrated and meaningful sections is the Morandi Collection. Moved from its original location in Palazzo d’Accursio, this section is entirely dedicated to Giorgio Morandi, Bologna’s renowned master. On display are his still lifes, landscapes, and portraits, offering a unique and intimate perspective on the work of one of Italy’s most important twentieth-century artists.

A Center for Research and Innovation

MAMbo is not a static museum, but a true center for cultural research and production. Beyond its permanent collection, it regularly hosts top-level temporary exhibitions featuring both national and international artists, as well as themes of pressing contemporary relevance. The museum also serves as a major educational hub, with a rich program of workshops for schools, lectures, and events designed to engage audiences of all ages.

Useful Information

• Address: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 14, Bologna (BO)
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 051 6496611
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Monday: closed
• Tickets:
  • Full price: €6.00
  • Reduced: €4.00 (for visitors aged 18–25)

A visit to MAMbo is an unmissable experience for anyone wishing to discover the beating heart of modern and contemporary art in Emilia-Romagna — where the charm of industrial architecture meets the ever-evolving beauty of art.

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