From December 3, 2024, to February 28, 2025, the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea in Rome will host a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Il Tempo del Futurismo” [The Time of Futurism]. Curated by Gabriele Simongini and supported by the Ministry of Culture, this exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of the death of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, the visionary founder of the Futurist movement, who passed away on December 2, 1944.
Unlike previous exhibitions dedicated to this revolutionary avant-garde movement, “The Time of Futurism” will focus on the intricate relationship between art and science/technology. It aims to illustrate the “complete renewal of human sensitivity” that emerged from groundbreaking scientific discoveries, which served as the foundation for the birth of Futurism. This theme resonates profoundly in our contemporary context, especially considering the technological tsunami of artificial intelligence currently reshaping humanity. The exhibition reflects the Futurists’ prophecy regarding the mechanization of the human experience and the humanization of machines.
Designed to be inclusive, educational, and multidisciplinary, the exhibition targets a broad audience, particularly younger generations. It will explore concepts such as speed, space, distance, and perceptual sensitivity, contextualizing these ideas within the societal transformations of the era driven by scientific and technological innovations.
Visitors can expect to see approximately 350 works, including paintings, sculptures, designs, furniture, films, and a hundred books and posters. Notably, the exhibition will place a strong emphasis on the literary roots of the Futurist movement, showcasing artifacts that have never been displayed together before. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to view an amphibious aircraft, vintage automobiles, motorcycles, and period scientific instruments.
To enrich the Futurist atmosphere, the exhibition will feature two site-specific installations by Magister Art and Lorenzo Marini, further bringing to life the dynamism of the movement. Additionally, a series of in-depth events will complement the exhibition, providing further insights into Futurism’s impact on art and society.
The exhibition owes its success to the generous loans from renowned institutions including the MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Estorick Collection in London, and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag in The Hague. A comprehensive catalog published by Treccani will accompany the exhibition, featuring contributions from notable figures such as Gabriele Simongini, Francesca Barbi Marinetti, Günter Berghaus, and others.
Collaborative efforts with various cultural institutions enhance the exhibition’s offerings. The MAXXI will contribute by opening Casa Balla to the public, providing a pivotal narrative addition. The Magna Carta Foundation will promote a program of educational cultural activities, while the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci will lend numerous scientific objects, enriching the exhibition’s thematic focus.
The exhibition is proudly supported by main sponsors Autostrade per l’Italia and Enel, along with sponsors Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and Unipol Gruppo, and technical partner ACI Storico.
“The Time of Futurism” promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of art and technology, inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring legacy of Futurism in an age of rapid change.
Photo credits: Il Tempo Del Futurismo, veduta della mostra, GNAM, Roma, 2024, Foto Conferenza ©Emanuele Antonio Minerva – Agnese Sbaffi
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