Collezione Maramotti

In the quiet Italian city of Reggio Emilia lies a true treasure for art lovers — the Collezione Maramotti. This private contemporary art collection is nestled within the walls of the former MaxMara fashion house headquarters. The building, designed in a brutalist style, was carefully reconstructed to preserve its industrial spirit, transforming it into one of the most significant art venues that Italy has given to the world.

The collection comprises approximately 7,000 works, with over 200 on display in the permanent exhibition. You won't find a dull chronological order here; instead, the space is organized to reflect the personal passion and taste of its founder, Achille Maramotti. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and installations by both world-renowned masters and bold innovators from around the globe.

The museum’s unique value lies in its atmosphere: works by Italian artists sit alongside American and European art, creating a unique cross-cultural dialogue. Entry to this realm of aesthetics is free, highlighting the Maramotti family’s commitment to making high art accessible to every visitor.

To plan your visit to this unique art center, it's worth saving the contact details in advance. The museum is located in a spacious building that is a landmark in its own right.

The main highlight for visitors is immersing themselves in the permanent exhibition. A captivating journey awaits you across two floors, where 200 key works reveal the history of art from the second half of the 20th century to the early 21st. It is important to remember that visiting the main collection is only possible by prior appointment, as the tour is accompanied by a professional guide whose deep knowledge turns a simple walk into a thorough exploration.

In addition to the main collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. These are often dedicated to new acquisitions by the foundation or works by emerging talents. These projects can be visited without prior registration, making the museum an excellent spot for spontaneous cultural leisure. Occasionally, you can find unique photography projects here, such as those dedicated to the urban environment and details of Italian life, held as part of the Fotografia Europea festival.

For those seeking more dynamic art forms, the Collezione Maramotti periodically serves as a stage for dance performances and special art events. This is a place where you can not only look at paintings but also feel the rhythm of the modern creative process in a truly intimate and professional setting.

Getting to this cultural center is easy, although it is located some distance from the historic core. The museum is located at Via Fratelli Cervi, 66, in the area where the MaxMara headquarters once thrived. This is about 4–5 kilometers from the city center.

The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or car. The trip from the central part of the city takes about 10–15 minutes. For those who prefer public transport, buses run regularly toward Via Fratelli Cervi; the nearest stop is within walking distance of the entrance. If you decide to walk, allow about an hour for the journey and enjoy the atmosphere of the Italian suburbs.

For travelers using personal or rental transport, there is convenient parking right by the museum building. It is recommended to use a navigator to quickly find your way through the industrial zone, where the sleek architecture of the collection stands out.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the name Achille Maramotti, the founder of the famous MaxMara fashion house. A lawyer by training, he possessed a keen intuition not only for business but also for art. Achille began building his collection back in the 1950s, selecting works that reflected the spirit of the times and the artists' personal journeys.

The uniqueness of the collection lay in the fact that it was part of the working process for a long time: paintings and sculptures adorned the corridors and halls of the garment factory, inspiring designers and tailors. In the mid-1970s, the collector began collaborating with the renowned critic Mario Diacono, which helped give the collection a deeper, more conceptual character.

The building that houses the museum today is a historical monument in its own right. Built in the mid-1950s, it became one of the first examples of brutalism in the Emilia-Romagna region. After the company headquarters moved to new premises, British architect Andrew Hapgood masterfully reconstructed the old workshops, turning them into bright exhibition halls while preserving the industrial aesthetic.

Although the founder himself passed away two years before the museum's grand opening in 2007, his heirs continue the family legacy. Today, the collection is not just an archive of the past but a living organism that is constantly updated with new names, upholding the Maramotti family’s tradition of patronage.

To fully appreciate the scale and depth of the works on display, you should set aside at least 1.5–2 hours for your visit. Most of this time will be spent exploring the permanent exhibition with a guide, whose narrative helps visitors better understand the context behind the pieces.

If you also plan to visit the temporary exhibitions, which are often held on the ground floor, add another 30–40 minutes to your itinerary. The museum invites leisurely contemplation, so it’s best not to rush—every detail of the industrial interior and every accent in the artists' works is worth your attention.

When planning your cultural adventure, please note that the museum operates on a specific schedule. The collection is closed to the public for most of the week (Monday to Wednesday). The doors open in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday: from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the museum welcomes guests from morning until evening: from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Since the schedule may change on public holidays or during the preparation of new exhibitions, we strongly recommend checking the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Reggio Emilia is a city with a rich history and a cozy atmosphere, where contemporary art harmoniously coexists with ancient squares and churches. After immersing yourself in the world of the avant-garde at the Maramotti Collection, be sure to take some time for a stroll through the city center.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to see the city from different angles: from majestic monastery courtyards to lively squares where the heart of local life beats. Below are some interesting places located nearby: