MARCA: a bridge between the past and the future of art in Catanzaro

In the heart of Catanzaro, in a charming building that once housed an institute for the deaf and a printing press, stands the MARCA – Museum of the Arts of Catanzaro.

Inaugurated in 2008, this museum is far more than a simple exhibition space — it is a true cultural laboratory, serving as a bridge between the rich artistic traditions of the past and the avant-garde expressions of the present. Its mission is to celebrate the region’s cultural heritage while acting as a key center for modern and contemporary art at both the national and international level. 

The Collections: A Journey from the Sixteenth Century to the Present

The MARCA’s exhibition route unfolds across several levels, offering visitors a dual experience.

On one side, the permanent collection of the Province of Catanzaro preserves an exceptional art gallery spanning from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, with a special focus on artists from Southern Italy. Among its highlights are masterpieces by Mattia Preti, Andrea Cefaly, and the Gipsoteca dedicated to sculptor Francesco Jerace, a testament to the creative talent that has shaped Calabria through the centuries.

On the other side, the museum houses a vibrant and ever-evolving space for contemporary art, hosting temporary exhibitions by world-renowned artists. This dynamism transforms MARCA into a vital center of research and artistic innovation, constantly engaging with new trends and languages. One entire room is devoted to the genius of Mimmo Rotella, a leading figure of Nouveau Réalisme and the décollage technique, born in nearby Catanzaro. His section offers an immersive encounter with his bold and revolutionary vision.

The International Sculpture Park: The Museum Opens to the City

One of MARCA’s most distinctive features is its connection to the International Sculpture Park, located within Catanzaro’s Mediterranean Biodiversity Park.

Created as part of the “Intersezioni” project, this is the first open-air museum in Southern Italy and serves as a natural extension of MARCA’s exhibition spaces.

Here, contemporary art meets nature, creating a dialogue of extraordinary beauty. Walking through the park, visitors can discover works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Antony Gormley, Mimmo Paladino, Dennis Oppenheim, and Wim Delvoye — transforming the landscape into a constantly evolving outdoor gallery, free and accessible to all.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Alessandro Turco, 63, 88100 Catanzaro (CZ)
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0961 746797
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours:
  • Open from Tuesday to Sunday (hours may vary seasonally).
  • Winter hours (approx. October–May): 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Summer hours (approx. June–October): 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Closed on Mondays
• Tickets:
  • Prices vary depending on whether visitors access only one section (permanent collection or temporary exhibition) or the entire complex.
  • On average, tickets range between €3 and €6, with reductions for students and other categories.

A visit to MARCA offers a complete experience — a dialogue between the great art of the past and the vital creativity of the present, all within a unique setting that merges urban heritage and natural beauty.

Cover photo credits: Pasqualemole, public domain.