Three Finalists and Concrete Curves: The MAXXI Bvlgari Prize 2026

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Stepping off the tram into the Flaminio district on a crisp Roman morning, the sweeping, concrete curves of Zaha Hadid’s iconic museum immediately set the tone for the day. Inside, the energy is palpable, an electric mix of whispered critiques and the quiet hum of multimedia installations echoing off the stark walls. This isn't just another gallery walk; it is a glimpse into the very future of Italian creativity, heavily backed by one of the nation's most legendary luxury houses.

Anchoring the museum's winter season is the highly anticipated Exhibition: MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE 2026 Rome. Now in its fifth edition, this prestigious collaboration between MAXXI and Bvlgari is the ultimate spotlight for the next generation of contemporary art. For this iteration, the vast gallery spaces have been handed over to three visionary finalists: Chiara Bersani, Adji Dieye, and Margherita Moscardini. Their site-specific works push boundaries, transforming the museum into a provocative, sensory playground that demands your full attention.

Bold Visions in Concrete Galleries

Walking through the exhibition feels like stepping into a series of distinct, immersive worlds. The natural light that floods through Hadid's ceiling louvres casts dramatic shadows across the installations, contrasting the raw, industrial feel of the building with the deeply personal narratives of the artists. You might find yourself navigating large-scale sculptural interventions that challenge your perception of space, before stepping into darkened alcoves filled with striking, hypnotic video art.

There is nothing passive about this show. It is highly textural and deeply layered. You can spend hours parsing the sociopolitical themes woven into the fabrics, metals, and digital screens on display. The exhibition perfectly balances intense, intellectual rigor with undeniable visual impact, making it equally fascinating for those who want to read every placard and those who simply want to soak in the monumental aesthetics.

A Canvas of Creators

The atmosphere here is wonderfully distinct from the historic centre’s antiquities circuit. The crowd mingling on the piazza steps and roaming the walkways is a brilliant cross-section of Rome’s creative heartbeat. You will spot architecture students tracing the building's fluid lines, curators discussing the prize’s legacy over espresso in the museum café, and fashion-forward locals spending a leisurely Saturday afternoon absorbing the culture.

It is a buzzy, intellectual, yet effortlessly glamorous environment. There is a communal sense of discovery in the air—everyone is quietly debating which of the three wildly talented finalists will ultimately take home the prize, turning the viewing experience into a shared, ongoing conversation.

Know Before You Go

• Getting there: The easiest way to reach MAXXI is by taking Tram 2 from Piazzale Flaminio (just outside the Piazza del Popolo) and getting off at the Apollodoro stop.
• Timing your visit: Weekday mornings offer the quietest, most contemplative atmosphere for viewing video installations, while weekend afternoons are livelier and better for people-watching.
• Bag policy: Large bags and backpacks must be left in the cloakroom. It is well-staffed and efficient, but factor in a few extra minutes for drop-off.
• Tickets: Entry to the prize exhibition is included in the standard MAXXI admission ticket. It is highly recommended to book your entry slot online via the official MAXXI website, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend.

Make a Weekend of It

The Flaminio district sits perfectly between the historic centre and the elegant Prati neighbourhood across the river, making it an excellent base for a weekend of art and culinary indulgence. Before you tackle the expansive galleries, cross the Tiber for a brilliant breakfast at Caffè Delle Commari, where you can fuel up on fresh pastries and excellent coffee just a stone's throw from the Vatican walls.

After an afternoon of cutting-edge contemporary art, you will have undoubtedly worked up an appetite. Keep things local in Prati by securing a table at Vinsanto Vino & Cucina; their generous portions of hearty Roman classics and brilliant wine list provide the perfect, relaxing end to a day on your feet. If you fancy contrasting the modernism of MAXXI with some quintessential Roman history, head back into the ancient centre for an elegant dinner at the legendary Ristorante Alfredo alla Scrofa. And because no day in Italy is complete without dessert, make your way to Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato near the Spanish Steps for an incredible pistachio and dark chocolate cone to round off the night.

I can’t wait to see which of these three remarkable artists takes home the prize—I'll see you among the concrete curves. Alyssa.