ROME.- Step inside the beating heart of our cities, where concrete and steel rise to meet soaring passions. The MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome has thrown open the doors to "STADI. Architecture and Myth," the first major exhibition in Italy dedicated to these monumental structures. Far more than just sports arenas, stadiums are revealed as vibrant symbols of human experience, cultural identity, and profound social change.


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Curated by Manuel Orazi, Fabio Salomoni, and Moira Valeri, with the guidance of Lorenza Baroncelli, MAXXI's Director of Architecture and Contemporary Design, this groundbreaking show invites visitors on an extraordinary journey across centuries and continents. It's a kaleidoscope of architectural brilliance, urban evolution, economic power, and the shared human drama that unfolds within these "lay cathedrals" of our time. As anthropologist Marc Augé aptly put it, stadiums are "a place of meaning, counter-meaning, and non-sense, a symbol of hope, error, or horror."

"Engaging with stadiums today means not only exploring the link between sport and architecture, but broadening our view and reflecting on wider social issues," explains Emanuela Bruni, President of the MAXXI Foundation. "Stadiums, in fact, become true lenses through which to observe artistic phenomena, design innovations, and social and historical transformations."

From the ancient Panathenaic Stadium in Athens and the majestic Roman Colosseum – symbols of early communal spectacle – the exhibition sweeps through time to the technological marvels of today. Visitors will witness the rebirth of the modern stadium in the late 19th century, tracing its evolution from simple competitive grounds to multipurpose venues hosting everything from concerts and religious ceremonies to political rallies and global tourism hotspots.

The immersive journey begins with an arresting sight: the monumental video installation Zidane, A 21st Century Portrait (2006) by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno. This six-by-six-meter double projection, filmed with 17 cameras, captures every nuance of the French football legend during a 2005 match, pulling you into the intensity of the game. Around the corner, a towering, illuminated model of Herzog & de Meuron’s iconic Allianz Arena commands attention, while a prefabricated metal grandstand invites you to experience the physical and social resonance of the stadium.

Beyond the grand designs, "STADI. Architecture and Myth" delves into the very essence of human connection. Five "anthropological islands" explore the deep relationship between the stadium, the city, and its spectators. Visitors can explore the gamut of emotions – joy, anger, wonder – that stadiums evoke, understanding the practices and transformations of the public over time. The exhibition even examines the stadium's historical role as a potent political space.

A special spotlight shines on Italian stadiums, showcasing their unique character and the ongoing debate about their regeneration. The exhibition also proudly displays symbolic trophies from the Italian National Team's history, including four World Cup trophies and two European Championship cups on a rotating schedule.

"The stadium is one of the few architectures that displays itself, and at the same time displays society as a whole," notes Francesco Stocchi, MAXXI's Artistic Director. This exhibition powerfully illustrates how these structures reflect the transformations of our cities, technology, and contemporary culture.

Bringing the experience full circle, the exhibition beautifully interweaves art with architecture. Works by celebrated artists like Tato and Titina Maselli, photographs by Luigi Ghirri and Henri Cartier-Bresson, and powerful video art like Yuri Ancarani’s San Siro (The roots of violence. Series) depict the stadium as a vibrant cultural object, capturing the force and ritual of the crowd.

"STADI. Architecture and Myth" is more than just an exhibition about buildings; it's a profound exploration of human connection, shared passion, and the ever-evolving narrative of our collective history. It's a compelling invitation to look at these familiar landmarks with fresh eyes and discover the myths they hold.


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