Rome Launches First Permanent Media Art Museum, MAM

On October 9, 2026, Rome saw the opening of the MAM – Media Art Museum, the city's first permanent space dedicated exclusively to media art. Located at Corso d'Italia 37/D, the museum spans 1,000 square meters and is designed to host a variety of exhibitions, installations, performances, and educational activities. Led by director Gianluca Del Gobbo, the facility includes a 300 square meter immersive room equipped with 27 projectors. This environment surrounds the audience with visuals, offering a different way to interact with artistic works.

The foundation of the MAM is the result of over 25 years of research into digital and audiovisual arts. It serves as a lasting home for artistic expressions that are often found in temporary settings like festivals or online platforms. The inaugural exhibition, HyperMedia, is curated by Del Gobbo and features work from 48 artists and 35 collectives across ten countries. The collection traces the path of digital art from early experiments on the web to modern applications involving artificial intelligence, interactive installations, and generative art.

Developing the MAM involved a close collaboration between artists, technologists, and cultural institutions, highlighting the role of community in the arts. The museum seeks to build a dialogue between creators and the public, where visitors can participate in the creative process as well as observe it. A range of programs is planned, including workshops and residencies for emerging digital artists. This begins with the Visual Sound Academy project, scheduled from October 10 to 21, 2026, which is designed to support talent and innovation in the digital arts.

The MAM aims to contribute to Rome’s cultural life by acting as a center for both artistic production and international conversation. Its programming features events such as the LPM – Live Performers Meeting and the Live Cinema Festival, which explore the points where performance, technology, and visual arts meet. Furthermore, the museum intends to connect with schools and families through educational initiatives, helping to make art more accessible and encouraging creativity in younger generations.

As it looks ahead, the MAM is positioned to become a steady hub for media art exploration, with ongoing exhibitions and events that invite public involvement. The institution is designed to adapt to new technologies and changing artistic practices to remain relevant within the digital landscape. By establishing its presence in Rome, the MAM intends to participate in the global discourse on media art, emphasizing its importance in contemporary culture and supporting new forms of expression.