The proposal for the NOVECENTOPIÙCENTO competition envisions the expansion of the Museo del Novecento as a vibrant, inclusive, cultural hub that engages with contemporary art and the city. The project redefines the museum as a space that not only showcases art but also fosters public interaction, making it a dynamic center for cultural expression. The design aimed at connecting the existing museum to the Second Arengario without a physical structure, transforming the public space between them into an open-air urban “room” that invites the city into the museum’s domain. This reimagines the first section of Via Marconi, currently a transit area, giving it a new urban identity.
Key to the project is a panoramic “bridge” that visually connects the two Arengari, creating a new center for the expanded museum. The design consists of three main components: a continuous path at terrace level, a large public assembly space below, and flexible, luminous exhibition platforms that rise within the Second Arengario. A horizontal mobile connection at the Second Mezzanine level links the two buildings while preserving views from Piazza del Duomo to Torre Martini.
The ground floor of the Second Arengario is characterized by a large stepped auditorium, situated beneath the coffered ceiling, designed to host public programs and events. This permeable space encourages interaction between the museum and the public, aligning with the vision of a contemporary museum.
The new spaces expand the museum’s exhibition capacity by concentrating vertical circulation and services, freeing up four levels for flexible exhibitions. These spaces are adaptable, equipped to host a variety of contemporary art forms, from traditional works to performances and video installations. The suspended platforms within the Second Arengario are designed to accommodate various types of art while respecting the building’s historic architecture. The double-height spaces near the large windows create opportunities to display large-scale works and offer unique viewing perspectives. Modular lighting and adaptable infrastructure ensure flexibility, allowing for a wide range of curatorial possibilities.
The proposal maximizes Museo del Novecento’s potential, transforming it into a fully integrated, open, and inclusive cultural destination that reflects the evolving nature of contemporary art.