Renewal: History and Architecture

Maxxi Museum, MACRO Museum, Punta Della Dogana, Milan and Venice - June 17th / 19th

During our trip across Italy, we've visited many museums and art galleries, many of which were once churches, factories and various industrial buildings before being renewed and reused for the exhibition spaces they are now. Here are a few examples:

The Punta Della Dogana: aerial view and interior view

The Punta Della Dogana in Venice was once a customs house in the 15th century. It underwent many restoration work before being transformed into a center for contemporary art in 2009.

The Macro Museum

The MACRO museum in Rome was built in the early 20th century as a Peroni brewery. In 1999, leading French architect Odile Decq undertook the restoration project, challenging the traditional perception of public vs. private. The most evident identity she added to the building is the multi-leveled rooftop garden. The roof will house a cafe, terrance seating and a garden, acting as a point of intersection between visitors, artists and ideas.

The MACRO Testaccio

Another extension of the MACRO museum called MACRO Testaccio, is located in the same complex that was the home to a slaughterhouse. The original building, built at the end of the 19th century, signifies the transition from Classic to modern architecture. In 2002, two sections of the slaughterhouse were transformed into exhibition spaces dedicated to contemporary art, followed by fully renovation in 2007 Evolve with the city while preserving part of the history.

Finally, one of our last stops during the trip was the MAXXI Museum. It was completed in 2009 by Zaha Hadid, sitting on the site of former military barracks.

MAXXI Museum, Rome

Italy is a country with such rich history. With the renewal of architecture, the essence of these history can be preserved while adapting to the changes in modern society. 

Xinran, Foong Ling, Ruby