Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

In the heart of Turin, Italy, nestled in the vibrant district of Crocetta, lies an artistic treasure trove known as the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art. Locally referred to as the Galleria civica d'arte moderna e contemporanea, or simply GAM Torino, this museum is a beacon for art enthusiasts and curious tourists alike, offering a journey through the evocative realms of 19th and 20th-century art.

A Storied Past

The origins of the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art trace back to the late 19th century, with its foundation around 1891-1895. However, the seeds of its collection were sown even earlier, in 1863, when the city of Turin became the first in Italy to establish a public collection of modern art. Initially, these collections were housed alongside ancient art in a building near the iconic Mole Antonelliana. By 1934, they had moved to the historic Palazzo Madama.

From 1895 to 1942, the collection found a home in a pavilion on Corso Siccardi (now Corso Galileo Ferraris). Unfortunately, this structure was destroyed during the Anglo-American bombings of World War II. Rising from the ashes, the current building, designed by architects Carlo Bassi and Goffredo Boschetti, was inaugurated in 1959. This modernist structure, with its clean lines and expansive glass windows, became a new sanctuary for the city's modern art collection, thanks to the visionary efforts of director Vittorio Viale.

After a period of closure in the 1980s due to structural concerns, the gallery underwent extensive renovations and triumphantly reopened in July 1993.

A Unique Artistic Journey

Stepping into the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art is akin to embarking on a voyage through time and artistic expression. The museum's collection is thoughtfully arranged not in chronological order but through thematic paths. In 2009, the gallery introduced an innovative layout, categorizing the works under themes such as View, Genre, Childhood, and Specularity. This approach was further refined in 2013 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the GAM collections, with new thematic paths like Infinity, Speed, Ethics, and Nature.

The gallery boasts an impressive collection of over 47,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos. Among these treasures are masterpieces by renowned artists such as Antonio Canova, Giovanni Fattori, Silvestro Lega, Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo, Antonio Fontanesi, Giacomo Grosso, and many more. The 20th-century collection is equally illustrious, featuring works by icons like Giacomo Balla, Fortunato Depero, Filippo de Pisis, Paul Klee, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Giorgio De Chirico, and Lucio Fontana.

Engaging and Interactive Experiences

Beyond its permanent collection, the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art offers a dynamic array of temporary exhibitions and interactive programs. One notable initiative is Parlare alla GAM (Talking to the GAM), launched in 2016 by director Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev. This participatory program invites individuals to present personal projects related to the outdoor artwork Anni Luce (commonly known as Arena Paolini) by Giulio Paolini. This initiative has seen contributions from notable figures such as artist Braco Dimitrijević, art critic and curator Achille Bonito Oliva, and writer and art critic Roberto Brunelli.

For those planning a visit, the gallery offers a range of services to enhance the experience. Group and school bookings are available, and visitors can participate in various educational workshops. The gallery also features a conference room, a library, a photographic archive, a themed bookstore, and a delightful café where visitors can relax and reflect on the art they've encountered.

Getting There

Conveniently located on Via Magenta, 31, the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art is easily accessible via public transportation. The nearest metro stop is Re Umberto on Line M1, making it a breeze to reach this cultural gem from anywhere in Turin.

Conclusion

The Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Turin is more than just a museum; it's a celebration of artistic evolution and a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and promoting modern and contemporary art. Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, GAM Torino promises an enriching and inspiring experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of art. So, the next time you find yourself in Turin, make sure to carve out some time to explore this exceptional gallery and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of modern and contemporary art.