MART museum of modern & contemporary art, Rovereto, Italy 1988-2002

Project: 1988-1992
Construction: 1996-2002
Partner: Eng. Giulio Andreolli
Client: City of Rovereto, autonomous province of Trento
Site area: 29'000 m²
Useful surface: 20'800 m²
Volume: 140'000 m³

The impressive mass of the museum is not revealed at first sight but remains partially hidden underground. The project follows an axial composition and is organized along the lane between two historical buildings. The lane leads to the circular plaza, covered by a glass dome, around which all the activities are arranged. The spacious plaza gives access to the museum. The large exhibition rooms are located on the first level, while the second floor houses smaller exhibition spaces. Circulation through the galleries on the two upper floors takes place around the central courtyard, while staircases occupy the end corners of a square that is formed around it. Light comes from above through a series of skylights.