Tragicomica at MAXXI Rome: irony in Italian art from the postwar era to

Tragicomica at MAXXI Rome: perspectives on Italian art

From 2 April to 20 September 2026, MAXXI in Rome hosts Tragicomica, a major exhibition exploring the presence of irony in Italian cultural production from the postwar period to the present. Curated by Andrea Bellini and Francesco Stocchi, the show brings together more than 300 works by over 130 artists to trace how the interplay between the tragic and the comic has informed artistic approaches and cultural perspectives.

The exhibition frames irony not merely as a stylistic choice but as a persistent interpretative sensibility in Italy — a way to address complex subjects through everyday registers that mix high and popular culture.

Exhibition layout and themes

Works are arranged to encourage unexpected juxtapositions between iconic pieces and lesser-known projects, promoting cross-disciplinary readings across painting, sculpture and installation. The chronological span covers more than eighty years, highlighting artists who made the tragicomic tension central to their practice.

• Works: over 300 pieces
• Artists: more than 130 names
• Scope: visual arts and performative languages
• Expanded fields: film, theatre, architecture, literature and philosophy

Selected artists

The exhibition features historic and contemporary figures who explored the boundary between tragedy and comedy, including Alighiero Boetti, Maurizio Cattelan, Lucio Fontana, Giuseppe Penone, Carol Rama, Paola Pivi, Gino De Dominicis and others. The selection fosters dialogues across generations and media to present a nuanced view of Italian art history.

Practical information

Venue: MAXXI, Rome

Dates: 2026-04-02 – 2026-09-20

Curators: Andrea Bellini and Francesco Stocchi

The exhibition is supported by a rich public programme of screenings, talks and thematic events designed to deepen visitors’ understanding. Check the museum’s official channels for tickets, opening hours and guided visits.