Tragicomica — Perspectives on Italian art from the late 20th century to

Tragicomica — Perspectives on Italian art from the late 20th century to today

Where: MAXXI, Rome | When: 2 April 2026 – 20 September 2026

Tragicomica offers a broad, non-chronological portrait of recent Italian art, focusing on how irony, paradox and the tension between suffering and humour have shaped creative production from the postwar period to the present. The exhibition pairs iconic works with lesser-known pieces to provide a layered reading of national creative practices.

What to expect

The exhibition brings together more than 130 artists and roughly 300 works across painting, sculpture, installation and interdisciplinary practices. The curators favor thematic juxtapositions over a strict timeline, encouraging fresh connections between different forms of expression.

• Curators: Andrea Bellini, Francesco Stocchi
• Scientific committee: specialists who extend the research to film, literature, theatre, design and architecture
• Catalogue: published by Marsilio, designed as a study resource

Featured artists (selection)

• Lucio Fontana
• Maurizio Cattelan
• Alighiero Boetti
• Piero Manzoni
• Giuseppe Penone
• Carol Rama
• Monica Bonvicini
• Other leading figures of the contemporary Italian scene

Practical information

• Address: Via Guido Reni, 4a, Rome
• Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–19:00
• Ticket: €14.00
• Phone: +39 06 3201954
• Official website: http://www.maxxi.art

The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of talks, guided visits and public activities designed to contextualise the works and engage audiences. Check the museum's online calendar for schedules and booking information.