The GAM, museum of modern and contemporary art

Founded in 1863, the GAM was Italy's first museum of modern art. Before moving to the current building, the collection changed location several times. It was not until 1959 that a building was erected and inaugurated especially for it. Several decades later, major renovation work resulted in the current space.

To visit the GAM is to see a whole section of art history unfold before your eyes. You can admire works by nineteenth-century Italian artists such as Fattori, then move on to the twentieth century with works by Picabia, Paul Klee and Warhol. Finally, there are several areas devoted to the current Italian and international art scene. In fact, the museum is particularly keen to support and promote them. In the basement of the museum, the video library is also open to the public free of charge. This is a great opportunity to discover art films and documentaries that are rarely shown.

The GAM is renowned for its collection of works from the famous Italian art movement: Arte Povera. This movement was born in Turin in the 1960s. It criticised consumerism and advocated a return to natural, unprocessed materials. Works by the movement's leading artists, including Paolini, Pistoletto and Boetti, can be seen at the GAM.

Whether you're an art lover or just curious, there are bound to be works that catch your eye, such is the richness and variety of the collection. What's more, the museum uses innovative interactive exhibits such as multisensory maps. This device, designed for the visually impaired, also helps the public to better understand the works. It is also a way of attracting young visitors.

Alongside Milan, Turin has become a major centre for Italian and international contemporary art. If you're a fan of contemporary art, there are other venues dedicated to it in addition to the GAM. There's the Sabauda gallery in the Royal Palace, and the Pinacoteca Agnelli on the roof of the Lingotto. Finally, 1 hour from Turin city centre, in Rivoli, is the Rivoli Castle, now a centre for contemporary art.

🚌 How do I get to the GAM?

The GAM is located in the Crocetto district, not far from the city centre. By metro, stop at the Re Umberto stop (5 minutes' walk) or at Vinzaglio (6 minutes' walk). By bus, take line 5 to the Galleria Arte Moderna stop. Finally by tram, take line 9 and stop at Galileo Ferraris.

📍 Address:

Via Magenta, 31, Turin

⏰ Opening times:

10am - 6pm Tuesday to Sunday

Ticket sales stop at 5pm.

Closed on Mondays.

👛 Admission:

Full price: 10 euros

18-25 years old: 8 euros

Over 65s: €8

Under 18s: free

Just an 8-minute walk from GAM, Pastò offers Italian cuisine with fresh homemade pasta and Piedmont specialities for a relaxed lunch.

If you're looking for a more gastronomic and chic restaurant, we recommend Lève, with its inventive seasonal and entirely homemade cuisine. Some consider it one of the best restaurants in town.

There's no shortage of hotels and B&Bs around the GAM. If you're travelling alone or as a couple, we recommend the Torino 1854 Affittacamere. This bed and breakfast is much appreciated for its comfort (bedding, soundproofing, size of rooms).

If you're spending a few days with the family in Turin, the Adalesia Hotel & Coffee is just a few minutes' walk from the GAM. With breakfast included, the hotel offers rooms with double or single beds at very reasonable rates.