The museum building occupies a site originally part of the 13th-century Santa Maria Donnaregina Vecchia monastery.
It was designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, who restored the palace for museum use.
The courtyard features a permanent site-specific installation by Francesco Clemente.
The second floor houses the 'Per_formare una collezione' project, which builds the museum's permanent collection through continuous acquisitions.
The structure includes the 'Re_PUBBLICA MADRE' initiative, which functions as a public research and documentation center.
Several rooms contain site-specific frescoes and stuccos that date back to the original palace interior.
The museum hosts an extensive collection of works by Richard Serra, specifically commissioned for the space.
It is one of the few museums in Italy dedicated exclusively to contemporary international art that is integrated into a historic palazzo.
The Madre Museum is housed in the Palazzo Donnaregina, a former 19th-century palace in the historic center of Naples. It features a permanent collection alongside rotating contemporary art exhibitions across three floors. The museum maintains site-specific installations permanently integrated into the palace architecture. It focuses on international contemporary art, bridging the gap between historical Neapolitan heritage and global artistic trends. The museum layout preserves original architectural elements such as the grand staircase and courtyard while integrating modern exhibition spaces. It serves as a central hub for the Campania region's contemporary art scene. The collection includes significant works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Anish Kapoor, and Lucio Fontana.
The internal grand staircase, which highlights the contrast between the historic palace stone and contemporary design.
Visit the library and bookshop on the ground floor to see specialized contemporary art publications.
Check the museum's online calendar for current temporary exhibitions, as these occupy a large portion of the floor space.
Explore the terrace area for views over the surrounding historic rooftops.
Do not rush through the ground floor courtyard; many visitors miss the integrated art installations located there.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Photography is permitted without flash; avoid touching the artworks.
