GAM, Turin’s Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, is on Via Magenta, a short walk through the city from the downtown area. Its collection spans Italian and European art from the 19th century onward, with paintings, sculpture, installations, photography and video. The galleries bring historic works into conversation with contemporary pieces, while temporary exhibitions add a changing focus. Give yourself time to move through the spacious rooms and look closely at the different movements represented, from Futurism to Arte Povera.
A public collection with a long history
Turin began making its modern art collection available to the public in 1863, making it the first Italian city to do so. The civic gallery was founded in the late 19th century and is now known as GAM, short for Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. Its collection has grown to include tens of thousands of works, from paintings and sculpture to works on paper, photographs, installations and video.
The collection follows artistic change in Italy from the 19th century into the present. Works by Piedmontese artists sit alongside pieces by artists from elsewhere in Italy and Europe. The range includes Antonio Canova, Giovanni Fattori, Antonio Fontanesi and Giacomo Balla, as well as names such as Modigliani, De Chirico, Renoir, Klee and Chagall.
Movements and changing displays
GAM’s collection includes works connected to Futurism, metaphysical painting, Pop art, analytical painting and Arte Povera. The permanent display has been reorganised around the gallery’s history, using significant acquisitions, directors and cultural policies to tell the story of modern art. That approach gives the collection a different structure from a strictly chronological or movement-by-movement survey.
The permanent galleries combine historic works with contemporary pieces and installations. Temporary exhibitions add another layer, featuring established artists as well as emerging talent. Their subjects and works change, so checking the current programme can help you decide how much time to leave for the visit.
Planning your visit
The gallery is at Via Magenta 31. Its spacious rooms give you room to take in individual works and move between the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Signage is available in Italian and English, and an online catalogue can help identify works and artists. Free lockers and restrooms are on the ground floor; the building also has a café and a bookshop focused on art.
Reservations are recommended in some information about the gallery, but they are not described as mandatory. Advance tickets are also recommended, so check the official website before setting out. The Torino + Piedmont card has been used for free entry, though access and card terms can change. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
FAQ
Where is GAM in Turin?
GAM is at Via Magenta 31, in Turin.
How long should I spend at GAM?
Allow about two hours to see the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
Is GAM closed on Mondays?
Yes. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
Do you need to reserve tickets for GAM?
Reservations are recommended in some visitor information but are not stated to be mandatory. Check the official website for current ticket details.
