MUSMA in Matera: 20 years of contemporary sculpture, residencies and Mediterranean dialogue

MUSMA marks 20 years with renewed exhibitions

In 2026 the MUSMA – Museum of Contemporary Sculpture in Matera celebrates its twentieth anniversary with a program designed to make visits immersive. The flagship initiative, called "Cambiamento", reimagines the permanent collection: sculptures are revisited through material interventions, fresh interpretative frameworks and a contemporary reworking of the museum's underground spaces.

An exhibition path of matter, thought and space

The exhibition unfolds on several levels, encouraging visitors to see the works from new viewpoints. Participating artists work directly with existing pieces to create new layers of meaning, fostering a conversation between the site's memory and contemporary practice. The outcome is a route that combines visual analysis with sensory engagement.

Mediterranean dialogue and artist residencies

A key feature of the program is its international scope, reinforcing Matera's role as a cultural bridge across the Mediterranean. Among the initiatives is a residency by Moroccan artist Hassan Echair, who will explore the city, gather local materials and inspiration, and produce a work reflecting exchanges between Matera and other Mediterranean centres. The work will then join the museum's displays as evidence of this cultural dialogue.

New acquisitions and a sculpture on Mediterranean identity

The museum expands its permanent holdings with additions from the Lagorio Collection and introduces a newly presented sculpture that considers the Mediterranean as a complex space of identities and relations. This addition offers visitors another perspective on collective memory and belonging.

Temporary exhibition: Nanni Valentini (September–December 2026)

From September to December 2026 MUSMA will host an exhibition devoted to Nanni Valentini, focusing on sculpted heads and faces. These works will engage with the tufaceous architecture of the Sassi and with pieces already in the permanent collection, exploring themes of home, memory and identity through material experimentation.

What to see in Matera besides MUSMA

A 2026 visit to Matera can combine the museum with the city's wider cultural and natural heritage. Recommended stops include:

• The Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO site of rock-hewn districts.
• Rock churches featuring ancient frescoes and long histories.
• The historic centre, offering unique panoramic views and atmospheric lanes.
• Murgia Materana Park, suitable for walks among nature and archaeological remains.

Practical information for visitors

The official start of the celebrations is scheduled for 20 March 2026, while activities, shows and exhibitions will continue throughout the year. To plan your visit, consider:

• Checking the museum's official channels for updated opening times and visitor rules.
• Booking tickets and guided tours in advance during peak periods.
• Looking into related events and possible evening openings.

The MUSMA's 20th anniversary offers a fresh way to experience Matera: through transformed sculptures, international residencies and new acquisitions, the museum stages a dialogue between art, stone and community that enhances the city's cultural landscape.