Nicola Pucci at Palazzo Merulana: The New Magic Realism Exhibition

Nicola Pucci at Palazzo Merulana: New Magic Realism

Palazzo Merulana in Rome presents Nicola Pucci's solo show until 5 July 2026, part of the project "Scuola italiana. Contemporary painting and its circular spirit in historical time", curated by Gianluca Marziani.

The exhibition stages a conversation between contemporary figurative painting and early twentieth-century masterpieces from the Cerasi Collection. The project aims to reveal how Italian painting continually reinterprets traditions and visual codes within a contemporary framework.

What to see

Nineteen paintings by Nicola Pucci are on display, exploring a personal take on Magic Realism: dreamlike scenes, animal presences, and suspended, narrative-metaphysical moments.

• Airplane series: for example "Aereo con Gorilla", "Aereo cerchio III" and "Aereo cerchio IV";
• Animal-themed works: including "Salto cavallo bianco su treno" and several rooster pairings;
• Human-animal encounters: such as "Ragazza con toro e rose", "Donna con toro giallo" and "Leone con bambino III";
• Recent work: notably "Cabina magica" (2026), evoking metaphysical atmospheres.

Why visit

The exhibition provides a contemporary perspective on Magic Realism and the Italian figurative tradition, showing how historical movements (Metaphysical art, Futurism, the Scuola Romana) are reworked today. The dialogue between Pucci's canvases and the Cerasi Collection offers critical insights into memory, iconography and artistic continuity.

Practical information

Venue: Palazzo Merulana, Rome.
Dates: on view until 5 July 2026. For opening hours, tickets and guided visits please check the museum's official channels or contact Palazzo Merulana directly.