PAC Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea is a contemporary art pavilion at Via Palestro 14, beside the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and across from the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens. Designed by Ignazio Gardella and opened in 1954, it was built for contemporary art and now hosts changing exhibitions by Italian and international artists. The galleries span three levels, with large windows, adjustable skylights and space for installations, paintings and photography. Check the current exhibition before you go: the show on view shapes the experience, and there is no permanent collection.
A pavilion built for contemporary art
PAC is at Via Palestro 14, beside the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and opposite the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens. Architect Ignazio Gardella designed the pavilion for contemporary art, and it opened in 1954. Its location within the grounds of Villa Reale connects the galleries with the surrounding garden.
The building occupies the site of the former Villa Reale stables. Its roughly 1,200 square metres of exhibition space are arranged across three levels in a trapezoidal layout. The different gallery spaces were designed to accommodate different kinds of work: the lower level has a large glass window facing the garden, the upper level has adjustable skylights, and the elevated third level is artificially lit.
Changing exhibitions across three levels
PAC has no permanent collection. Its programme changes, with exhibitions focused on contemporary artists from Italy and abroad. Depending on what is showing, you may encounter installations, painting, photography or other forms of contemporary art. The exhibition is central to the visit, so check the current programme before setting out.
The layout gives artworks room across the galleries, and exhibitions can make use of both indoor and outdoor spaces. One recent presentation, Marcello Maloberti’s METAL PANIC, connected everyday life with poetry and spirituality and used the pavilion’s interior and exterior. The specific works and experience change with each exhibition.
The pavilion’s history
PAC’s history includes destruction and rebuilding. The building was damaged during the Second World War, then rebuilt by the City of Milan with Gardella. It opened as a contemporary art pavilion in 1954. A mafia bomb destroyed it in 1993; after a further reconstruction, PAC reopened to the public in 1996.
The building is regarded as an important example of Italian modernist architecture after the Second World War. Its purpose-built galleries and varied lighting reflect the original plan to show contemporary art in spaces suited to different media.
Planning your visit
PAC is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Monday. It stays open later on Thursday than on other open days. The pavilion has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, and advance ticket booking is recommended. Admission is paid; check PAC’s official website for current ticket details and exhibition information.
After the galleries, you can spend time at the outside cafe or continue across to the public gardens. If you want a less crowded visit, choose a less popular time.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is PAC Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea?
It is at Via Palestro 14 in Milan, beside the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and across from the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens.
Does PAC have a permanent collection?
No. PAC presents changing exhibitions, so check the current programme before your visit.
How long should I allow for PAC?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to visit the galleries. The exhibition on view affects how long you may want to stay.
Is PAC wheelchair accessible?
The pavilion has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom.
Is advance booking recommended?
Yes. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
