A Leadership Change at Rome's Contemporary Art Museum
Francesco Stocchi, curator and former artistic director of MAXXI in Rome, has left the museum. He discussed the decision, his career and his future plans in an interview with Artribune. Stocchi's path ran from Nunzio's studio in 1992 to the Boijmans museum in Rotterdam and back to Italy.
For anyone planning a Rome trip around contemporary art, the exit of an artistic director is not gossip, it is a programming signal. At MAXXI the artistic director shapes temporary exhibitions and acquisitions. A change at the top can slow the announcement of future shows or shift the balance between Italian and international projects.
What to Do If MAXXI Is on Your List
Nothing suggests the museum is closed or that current exhibitions have been cancelled. The advice is simpler: before buying a timed ticket, open the official MAXXI page and check the exhibition calendar. If a specific show is the reason for your visit, confirm it is still running.
Other Rome Museum News to Watch
Keep an eye on curatorial appointments at Rome's museums, since they affect what you will actually see on the walls. If your trip also includes ancient heritage, pair a MAXXI visit with the Capitoline Museums or the Borghese Gallery on another day, since both require booked entry slots.
Best tours and tickets in Rome Museums
Curated selection. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Capitoline Museum Experience with Multimedia Video
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes
Frequently asked questions
Who left MAXXI in Rome?
Does this mean MAXXI is closed?
Why does an artistic director change matter to visitors?
Should I still book MAXXI tickets in advance?
Where can I read Stocchi's own account?
Does this affect other Rome museums?
Related guides
Rome Museum News: Vatican Museums, Colosseum and New Heritage Rules for Autumn 2026
New heritage rules, exhibitions and ticketing changes in Rome museums. What travelers need to book now for autumn 2026.
Read more →Raphael's Lady with a Unicorn Leaves the Borghese Gallery for Vimercate
Raphael's Lady with a Unicorn leaves the Borghese Gallery for a free show at MUST Vimercate, 29 October to 11 December 2026. Plan the Rome side.
Read more →Rome Museums in Autumn 2026: What Changes for Your Visit
Rome museum and heritage visits in autumn 2026: what travelers should check before booking, from timed entry to official programme confirmations.
Read more →Rome Museums in Late 2026: Exhibitions and Heritage Changes to Plan Around
Etruscan bronzes in Milan until 4 October and Florence open studios on 26-27 September and 2 October. What Rome-bound travellers should book and skip.
Read more →Caravaggio in Berlin, Not Rome: What the Late-September Show Means for Your Museum Plan
A Caravaggio work is on show in Berlin until 25 September. Check where Rome's Caravaggios actually hang before you build a museum day around them.
Read more →Rome Museums This Week: Casa di Livia Closed for Restoration, Free Contemporary Art Day at
Casa di Livia shuts for restoration and Italy's Contemporary Art Day opens museums free on 10 October. What changed and what to book now.
Read more →Editorial summary produced with AI support and reviewed. Information can change. Verify anything important with the official venue or operator before you act. Spotted an error? Use the contact form and we will correct it.
All prices and times on this page are ESTIMATES and change often. They are a starting point from an independent editor, never official or guaranteed figures. Always check the final price and the opening hours with the official venue or operator before you book or travel.
