A Savoy Palace Turned Italy's First Contemporary Museum

At a Glance

Castello di Rivoli 15 km west of Turin was a Savoy royal palace transformed into Italy's first contemporary art museum in 1984. The half-finished Baroque castle is a UNESCO site and hosts 1,100 works, especially Arte Povera.

Modern Art in a Royal Palace

Filippo Juvarra began rebuilding in 1713 but funds ran out, leaving the 147 m Manica Lunga unfinished. Andrea Bruno's minimal-intervention 1984 conversion preserved Baroque frescoes beneath installations.

Highlights

• Cattelan's Novecento (1997) hanging horse.
• Arte Povera — Anselmo, Pistoletto, Merz, Penone.
• 147 m Manica Lunga for solo shows.
• Cerruti Collection at Villa Cerruti (by appointment).
• Garden sculptures, free entry.

Visiting Tips

Bus 36 or taxi from Porta Susa. €9; €17 combined. 2.5–3 hours. Closed Mon–Tue. Pair with GAM Torino.