The Contemporary Arts Pavilion is perhaps the best modern art gallery in Milan. The pavilion is also known as PAC, which stands for Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea. It’s recognised not just in Italy but around the world for its temporary exhibitions, which includes a mix of photography, painting, sculpture and video work from some of the best international artists. Architecture lovers will appreciate the 1950s Italian-style villa the museum is housed in.
Milan is famous as the home of some of the most important collections of art in the world, but there were few devoted to contemporary works before the pavilion opened in 1954. Since then, the gallery has played a key role in the Italian art community, bringing some of the biggest names in modern art to Milan.
Italian architect Ignazio Gardella designed the 1,200-square-metre (12,916-square-foot) gallery. Admire the open space as you wander between artworks. Wide hallways and high ceilings allow plenty of light to flood the gallery. Take a photograph through the large windows that frame the surrounding gardens, including a series of lakes. The building was partially destroyed by a Mafia-related bombing in 1993 and rebuilt by Gardella and his son.
Discover emerging trends and young stars in contemporary art. The large-scale gallery hosts only temporary exhibitions, and these change on a regular basis. The gallery is dedicated to education and there are talks and events held in the space. Take a free guided tour on Sunday evenings. Browse the paper guide that’s included with admission and provides insight into artistic movements and individual artworks. Check the website for a full programme of exhibitions and events.
Find the Contemporary Arts Pavilion in downtown Milan, easily reached by bus, tram or metro. You can park for a fee on the street close to the gallery, which is open daily and has an admission fee.
